Have you heard that your local broadcast television stations will be moving their signals from analog to digital by June 12, 2009? Do you wonder how this change is going to affect you, and what you need to do to get ready for it?
If you’re a Wave Broadband video customer the answer is—you don’t have to do a thing!
You’ll continue to receive local broadcast stations with your subscription to Wave Broadband, even after broadcast stations are transmitted in a digital format — and you’ll receive these channels on any TV set connected to Wave Broadband’s cable TV service. You won’t need to buy a new television or get any additional equipment for your existing TVs.
As a Wave Broadband cable customer you’re all set for the upcoming digital transition. And isn’t it nice to have one less thing to worry about?
If you would like to learn more about the digital transition, we've compiled answers to some frequently asked questions below.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS REGARDING THE 2009 DIGITAL TRANSITION
Will my TV stop receiving the cable networks and local broadcast stations I watch today?
No, if you subscribe to cable service from Wave Broadband you’ll continue to enjoy all the channels that are part of Wave Broadband’s Basic/Expanded Basic service on any set connected to a cable outlet.
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Do I need to get a digital receiver for my TV sets?
No, Wave Broadband customers don’t need a digital receiver for local broadcast stations and Basic/Standard cable networks. Every TV connected to an active cable outlet will receive the channels included with these levels of service without additional equipment –even if your TV isn’t one of the newer, digitally-compatible sets.
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What if I already have a digital receiver from Wave Broadband?
Many of our customers use Wave Broadband’s digital receivers on their TVs because these provide access to more networks and advanced services like Interactive Programming Guide. The TVs in your home that are connected to a Wave Broadband digital receiver will not be affected by the broadcast digital transition. Nor is it necessary to put our receivers on every set in your home. If you’d like access to advanced services and additional programming, you can add a Wave Broadband digital receiver to any TV set in your home. The choice is up to you!
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What’s this digital transition all about?
Broadcast stations, like the local ABC, CBS and NBC affiliates in your area, are switching their signals from analog to digital, and by June 12, 2009 they will stop broadcasting the analog signals. This means consumers who watch television by picking up stations off-air using “rabbit-ears” or antennas will need to ensure their TV set is capable of receiving the new digital signals, or purchase a digital box to convert broadcast signals from digital to analog for each TV, or subscribe to service from a video provider.
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Why is the government requiring broadcasters to change the format of their signal?
Most of the analog-TV airwaves made available by this change will be auctioned off by the FCC, and a portion will be reserved for use by emergency service groups, like police and firefighters.
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What do the terms analog transmission, digital transmission, and high-definition mean?
Analog transmits video signal as electronic waves. Digital transmission converts the signal into a series of 0s and 1s using less of the bandwidth spectrum than analog transmission. Some TV sets have a built-in digital tuner (DTV) which allows them to receive digitally transmitted signals. These sets may or may not be high-definition TVs. HDTV (high-definition) offers the highest quality picture available. Both a high-def TV set and high-def signal are needed to view in HD.
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I’ve heard cable companies are only required to provide analog signals until February 2012. Will I lose my broadcast stations or Basic/Standard cable networks then?
No. This can be a confusing point of the digital broadcast transition. Wave Broadband is investing in technology that will allow us to deliver the digital broadcast signals in a format that works with your analog TV sets today and into the future.
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Do I need to replace my Wave Broadband receiver with one of the digital converters now for sale at the big box stores?
No. Wave Broadband’s digital receivers are technically integrated with our system, and provide customers with access to advanced services like Interactive Programming Guide and additional programming options. The digital converters for sale at stores like Radio Shack and Wal-Mart simply convert an off-air digital signal back to an analog format, allowing the broadcast station to be viewed on a TV set that is not digitally compatible.
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I have a TV that is not connected to a cable outlet. Can I still use this TV to watch the local broadcast stations?
Possibly. If the TV set has a built-in digital receiver (DTV) you should be able to receive the local broadcast signals in your area after the June 2009 deadline, when the broadcast signals are transmitted in a digital format. If you’d like to receive Wave Broadband’s cable service on an additional TV, we will be happy to install an additional outlet for this set.
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Will Wave Broadband accept the government issued coupons for digital converters?
No. Coupons available from the government can be used toward the purchase price of converters available at the big box stores. The function of these digital converters is to convert digitally broadcast off-air signals back to analog, so the station can be viewed on TV sets that are not digitally compatible. Wave Broadband customers don’t need this equipment because the signal we send to your home already works on your analog TV sets – without the need for any additional equipment.
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