(Posted 12/02/2008)  In addition to streaming in its entirety the Get Ready for DTV video that PBS supplied the system, WETA has separated it into segments so people can watch the part(s) that applies to them. Visitors to weta.org are prompted to click on a specific video segment for information that pertains to their home TV set-up.

(Posted 10/29/2008)  Vermont Public Television has updated their DTV webpage. Lots of
useful, easily-navigated information for viewers, but ESPECIALLY look at their DTV call-in
show, which was originally broadcast October 9.

"We were flooded with calls," says the VPT community relations office.

(Posted May 16, 2008) Kip's DTV Tips is UNC-TV's blog devoted to interaction and education about digital television (DTV).

Featuring contributions from UNC-TV's Director of New Technologies, Kip Campbell and other DTV experts, this online resource provides details about digital television conversion, what the DTV transition means for you and related technology topics, as well as a forum to discuss this exciting, new technology.

(Posted 5/08/2008)  The KNPB/Reno website features useful information including their "Digital Television one-sheet" as well as an encode of the local call-in program about DTV.

(Posted April 14, 2008)  An top-notch example of friendly, understandable DTV information for a public television audience.

(Posted April 11, 2008)  The green banner is used on the WLRN/Miami website and if a person clicks the link, it leads to a comprehensive website created by PBS with the latest DTV info.

(Newly updated / posted 3/27/2008)

(Posted 2/25/2008) - New from KET, the Kentucky Network, and hosted by Nick Clooney.

There is a local opt-out toward the end of the program for stations to provide information on their own local multicasting channels, but the program can be aired as is. 

Opt-Out information:

For the space available to local stations to personalize the show with your own name/branding, you will have an option.

The time occurs at the 22:21 mark in the show. Nick Clooney introduces the new term for digital television multiple broadcasts called “Multicasting”

 
At this point there is a clean cut available (a full page graphic that says “Multicasting”) for stations to break away for 2:18.

(2 minutes, 18 seconds)

If the show airs straight with no station cut-in, viewers will see Craig Cornwell (who was been a guest spokesman throughout the show) explain how “Multicasting” technically works, and then he describes the programming on KET and how it is divided onto 4 different channels. While he is talking about KET programming, it is presented in a fashion that explains “Multicasting” more than it sells KET.

You also can wait until the 22:58 mark to break away….allowing you 1:41 (1 minute, 41 seconds) to brand the show with your information.

The 37 seconds between the 2 breakaway points is an explanation by Craig on how “Multicasting” itself works. At one point you will see an image from KET, but it is part of the graphics that explain everything, and I do not think it should cause problems for you.

The producers suggest you keep this in the show, as it will alleviate you having to explain “Multicasting” and allow you to go straight to explaining what programming your station is doing on the different stations you are multicasting.

You rejoin the show at the 24:20 mark where Paula Kerger (PBS) comes back on to extol the power of “Multicasting”

First possible cutaway point (at 22:21):
STATION REP: Multicasting is, again, the result of a television signal being broadcast in the 1’s and 0’s of the computer age. Once engineers found out they could broadcast in these digital 1’s and 0’s, they realized they could organize the signal. And whereas the old analog signal could only handle one TV picture, engineers now organize the digital picture, and squeeze it down so that it takes up only part of the total digital signal coming from the transmitter.   By doing so, stations can broadcast a second group of 1’s and 0’s on the same signal, much like the internet can handle many of the e-mails made of 1’s and 0’s at the same time.

Second possible cutaway point (at 22:58):

For example, this enables KET in Kentucky to offer their viewers a number of different programs to choose from at any time.

Because of these multiple channels, or ”multicasting,” viewers can watch KET 1, which has all their favorite PBS programs as well as locally produced productions that show off the people and culture of Kentucky. In addition, KET 1 airs public affairs programs, commercial-free children’s shows… along with GED and other adult education series.

Kentucky viewers can also watch a second channel, KET2, where they get the opportunity to catch more of their favorite programs along with  how-to programs, and a variety of KET productions to meet different viewer habits. But the “magic” of digital multicasting does not end here.  Again, because the signals are digital, KET can effectively use the space on their broadcast signal. This has made it possible for them to create and broadcast two additional channels.

KET KY… The Kentucky Channel…features programming by, for and about Kentuckians… legislative coverage, arts and culture, history, health, music, and public affairs… as well as documentaries and classic programs from the KET archives.

And the fourth channel is KET E-D, The Education Channel… providing original KET instructional programming for Kentucky Schools and classrooms… and professional development seminars from Annenberg, KET and other public television distributors.

By going digital, KET is able to offer a better variety for their viewers, fulfill their mission to improve the education of Kentucky, and enhance the TV viewing experience for the people of Commonwealth.

TOTAL LOCAL INSERT TIME for using the first opt-out is 2:18.

TOTAL LOCAL INSERT TIME for using the second opt-out is 1:41.

(Posted 2/4/2008)  -- KCPT's digital TV information Web will be updated monthly with new content. That content is also published in their bimonthly 35,000-circulation member magazine and in email blasts to viewers.

KCPT has partnered with the local TimeWarner Cable franchise to do joint messaging.

(Posted 12/17/2007)  TVFool.com has a nifty online tool that allows you to instantly find and browse the coverage map for any transmitter.

Have you ever wondered what television signals are being broadcast in your area?  Perhaps you've recently purchased a new HDTV and you're looking for some High Definition content.  Or maybe you're just looking for some additional sources to compliment your existing cable and/or satellite services.  Well, here's a tool that can analyze your location to help determine what FREE broadcasts might be available in your neighborhood.

This tool can help answer questions like

 - Which broadcasters are transmitting locally?
 - How far are the transmitters from me?
 - Which direction should I point my antenna?
 - How strong are the signals in my area?
 - What analog and digital channels are available?

On this page at left are links to the WKAR faq and other DTV info.

Digital television (DTV) is a telecommunication system for broadcasting and receiving moving pictures and sound by means of digital signals. In contrast to analog signals in analog (traditional) DTV uses digital modulation data, which is digitally compressed and requires decoding by a specially designed television set or a standard receiver with a set-top box.

Your How-To Guidefor television station producers, managers, engineers and interactive developers interested in Enhanced Television.

"Finally - DTV information that speaks my language! Thank you!"