Deadline to Apply For TV Converter Box Coupons

The coupon application deadline is fast approaching. If you are still not DTV-ready, it’s not too late. Help is still available, but you must take action immediately. Eligible households may continue to apply or re-apply for TV converter box coupons. Applications for coupons are accepted online, by phone at 1-888-388-2009 (1-888-DTV-2009), by mail and by fax. Mailed applications must be post-marked no later than midnight on July 31, 2009. It typically takes nine business days to process and mail coupons. If you have applied for coupons, but not yet received them, check the status of your request on www.DTV2009.gov by selecting Check Your Application Status.

Appeals for Denied Coupon Applications.
The last day to file an appeal is midnight on July 31, 2009. If you apply for coupons through the Web site, and the application is denied, there is a link within the denial message to appeal. Filing an appeal via the Web site is the quickest way for the Coupon Program to process and respond to appeals. If you wish to provide additional detail beyond the space provided, you may submit your appeal in writing or by e-mail.

Coupons Can Be Used Until They Expire.
Even though the last day to apply for coupons is July 31, 2009, you can use your coupons at participating retailers until they expire. Call ahead to area retail stores to confirm availability of coupon-eligible converter boxes on the day you plan to shop. Coupon-eligible converter boxes also may be purchased online or by telephone and shipped directly to your home.

Once again, we greatly appreciate your continued efforts to reach consumers who are still not DTV-ready. During these final days for consumers to apply for a TV converter box coupon or file an appeal, will you please spread the word and help ensure that people who need help purchasing their converter boxes are able to receive it? Your efforts will make it possible for them to experience the benefits of the digital TV transition.

Converter Box Coupon Update

Coupon Availability and Replacement Coupons.

Eligible households may continue to apply or re-apply for TV converter box coupons. Applications for coupons are accepted online, by phone at 1-888-388-2009 (1-888-DTV-2009), by mail and by fax. Mailed applications must be post-marked no later than July 31, 2009. Online, phone and fax applications must be submitted by 12 midnight Eastern Time.

It typically takes nine business days to process and mail coupons. If you have applied for coupons, but not yet received them, you may check the status of their by selecting Check Your Application Status.

Appeals for Denied Coupon Applications.

If you have applied for coupons through the Web site and the application is denied, there is a link within the denial message to appeal. Appealing via the Web site is the quickest way for the Coupon Program to process and respond to appeals. You may also appeal by clicking here. If you wish to provide additional detail beyond the space provided, they may submit their appeal in writing or by e-mail.

Coupons Expiration Date and Online and Phone TV Converter Box Ordering Options.

Coupons expire 90 days after they are mailed. The expiration date is printed on the coupon. Even though the last day to apply for coupons is July 31, 2009, consumers can use their coupons at participating retailers until they expire. Converter boxes can be purchased at most national retail stores and some local retailers.
A list of retailers will be included in the envelope containing the coupon. You should call ahead to area retail stores to confirm availability of coupon-eligible converter boxes on the day they plan to shop. To find a participating retailer in your area, go to www.DTV2009.gov/VendorSearch.aspx. Coupon-eligible converter boxes also may be purchased online or by telephone and shipped directly to your home.

Two FCC Tips for Better Reception

“Double Re-scan” Converter Boxes and Digital TVs

As TV stations continue making changes to their signals, the FCC is encouraging converter box and digital TV users who still may be having trouble receiving a digital channel to “double re-scan,” which means clearing out the converter box or TV’s memory by unplugging the antenna, re-scanning the device without the antenna attached in order to clear out the memory, unplugging the box or digital TV, reconnecting the antenna to the device and plugging the unit back in, and then re-scanning. Note that “Double .Re-Scanning” is a more thorough process than simple “Scanning or Re-scanning.”

Double-Check and Relocate Antennas.

To receive the most channels, it is important for consumers to have a “VHF/UHF” antenna and to make sure they place it in a location that allows for the best reception. Click here to read the full FCC consumer advisory.

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Reception Help for WSIU TV Over-The-Air

WSIU-TV Carbondale ceased broadcasting analog over-the-air television on January 29, 2009 and is now broadcasting digital only. If you are having problems receiving WSIU over the air since February 3, 2009, the following guide will help you troubleshoot your WSIU-DT digital 8 reception problems. These instructions are for WSIU-DT Carbondale only. You must have a digital TV set, or analog TV connected to a digital converter box.

Step #1 -- Antennas
You must now have a VHF antenna for WSIU-DT. Prior to February 3, WSIU-DT broadcast on UHF channel 40. Channel 40 was loaned to us by the government during the DTV transition over the past two years while we still broadcast on analog 8 (which we ended on 1/29/09). On February 3, 2009, WSIU-DT changed digital channels from UHF channel 40 to the original vacated VHF channel 8. Check the antenna information section below for more information.

Step #2 -- Channel Scan
Rescanning of converter boxes or digital TV’s is required after WSIU-DT changed from digital UHF channel 40 to digital VHF channel 8 on Feb 3rd. Check your TV or converter box manual for instructions. If rescanning does not work then try Step #3.

Step #3 -- Reset
Some converter boxes or digital TV's will need to be reset (by button, menu, or powering down for a few minutes) to erase all previous WSIU information and allow the rescan to work properly. Unplug the digital TV or converter box for a few minutes, plug it back in and then do a channel scan again (step#2). You may have to do this several times before it works. Lastly, if the above fails, you may be able to force a system reset by starting a channel scan and unplugging the TV or converter box while it is scanning. Wait five minutes, plug it back in, and then rescan for channels (step#2).

Antenna Information
(For WSIU- you must have a antenna capable of receiving VHF signals.)

If using an Indoor antenna:

• be sure to extend the “rabbit ears”
• rotate the antenna a quarter turn and rescan again if you are unsuccessful finding WSIU-DT the first time. Repeat this process again if needed.
• try placing the antenna closer to a window for better results
• be aware that aluminum siding may affect indoor antenna VHF reception

If using an Outdoor antenna:

• for best results, your antenna should be pointed at our transmitter located at near Du Quoin, IL
• if your cables are old they may be a problem- RG6 is the preferred type

You may find some indoor antennas work better than others. Also beware of antenna which are advertised as “HDTV Ready”. Sometimes they are UHF only. It is important that the antenna is designed to receive VHF television channels also. The antenna that you previously used to receive analog channel 8 is ideal.

DTV Converter Box Coupons Update

NTIA has made several improvements to the TV Converter Box Coupon Program that will help consumers prepare for the shut off of analog broadcasts by June 12, 2009, and has additional improvements planned for the coming weeks. These changes are a result of the DTV Delay Act and made possible through funding provided by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, signed into law by President Obama on February 17, 2009.


The following Program updates are effective immediately:

• Coupon Waiting List and Distribution. NTIA is processing approved coupon applications that were placed on a waiting list beginning in January 2009. Consumers who had been notified they were approved for coupons but placed on a waiting list due to a lack of program funds will be issued coupons. (Consumers can use the automatically-generated reference number they received at the time of application to check the status of their request on this Web site.)

• New Coupon Applications. Consumers who apply for a coupon and are approved after the waiting list is eliminated will be handled on a first-come, first-served basis, while supplies last. If the Program experiences high demand, it may be necessary for NTIA to once again place applicants on a waiting list. Should this happen NTIA may distribute coupons to over-the-air only households first to ensure as many U.S. households as possible have at least one working television after their local TV stations complete the transition to digital by June 12, 2009.

• Requested Coupons Mailed via First-Class Mail. The TV Converter Box Coupon Program is mailing coupons via first-class mail. Consumers will receive coupons more quickly.

• Application Deadline. Consumers should act now to prepare for the end of analog broadcasts in their local viewing area. The Program will accept coupon applications until July 31, 2009 if funds are available to fill those requests.

• Expired Coupons- In addition to these immediate improvements, NTIA is moving quickly to modify the Program processes to begin accepting applications from consumers whose coupons expired without being redeemed. The Web site will be updated to indicate when applications for replacement coupons will be accepted. At this time, consumers who try to reapply for a coupon which has expired or was lost or stolen will be denied. Consumers should check the Web site to learn when the Coupon Program can accept requests to replace coupons which are lost, stolen or expired.

DTV Help Guides

With less than two months to go until the final digital television transition cutoff date (we hope), converter box maker Zenith has introduced an online connection guide to help users get their set-top boxes set up correctly in time for the switch.

The site -- accessible at www.ConnectYourBox.com and www.ConecteSuConvertidor.com -- features step-by-step set up instructions for connecting a box to a TV, along with troubleshooting information and a FAQ. The site also includes links to other DTV-related resources like AntennaWeb.org for help with signal reception, antenna compatibility and other issues.

WSIU TV Increases Power

WSIU TV (Digital RF 8) has increased its power to its fully-licensed power of 53kW and will remain at that power level until further notice. Viewers that have had reception problems in the past few weeks may want to use this opportunity to rescan their converter boxes and/or digital televisions to see if they can now receive WSIU TV.

Need Help Receiving WSIU-TV Over-The-Air?

WSIU TV Carbondale ceased broadcasting analog over-the-air television on January 29, 2009 and is now broadcasting digital only. If you are having problems receiving WSIU over-the-air since February 3, 2009, the following guide will help you troubleshoot your WSIU DT digital 8 reception problems. These instructions are for WSIU DT Carbondale only. There have been no changes made to the WUSI DT Olney channel and WUSI DT remains as a UHF channel. Your ability to receive WUSI DT is the same now as it was before the analog shutoff. You must have a digital TV set or an analog TV connected to a digital converter box.

Step #1 - Antennas

You must now have a VHF antenna for WSIU DT. Prior to February 3, WSIU DT broadcast on UHF channel 40. Channel 40 was loaned to us by the government during the DTV transition over the past two years while we still broadcast on analog 8 (which ended on 1/29/09) On February 3, 2009, WSIU DT changed digital channels from UHF channel 40 to the original vacated VHF channel 8. Check the antenna information section below for more information.

Step #2 - Channel Scan

Rescanning of converter boxes or digital TVs is required after WSIU DT changed from digital UHF channel 40 to VHF channel 8. Check you TV or converter box manual for instructions. If rescanning does not work, then try step #3.

Step #3 - Reset

Some converter boxes or digital TVs will need to be reset (by button, menu, or powering down for a few minutes) to erase all previous WSIU information and allow the rescan to work properly. Unplug the digital TV or converter box for a few minutes, plug it back in and then do a channel scan again (Step #1). You may have to do this several times before it works.

Antenna Information

If using an Indoor Antenna:

• Be sure to extend the "rabbit ears"
• Rotate the antenna a quarter turn and rescan again if you are unsuccessful finding WSIU DT the first time. Repeat the process again if needed.
• Try placing the antenna closer to a window for better results.
• Be aware that aluminum siding may affect indoor VHF reception

If using an Outdoor Antenna:

• For best results, your antenna should be pointed at our transmitter, loated near DuQuoin, IL

You may find some indoor antennas work better than others. Also, beware of antennas which are advertised as "HDTV Ready" It is important that the antenna is designed to receive VHF television channels. The antenna that you previously used to receive analog channel 8 is ideal.

WSIU DT Completes Channel Change

Work has been completed to modify our WSIU Digital television transmitter to broadcast on digital channel 8 - which is in the VHF band. Viewers who watch WSIU DT via an antenna will need to rescan or retune (see your instruction manual for further details) their digital television and/or digital set-top converter boxes to receive WSIU DT due to our original channel assignment on RF channel 8 digital.

Some viewers have reported complications when rescanning their televisions and set-top boxes. You may need to repeat the rescanning process multiple times for the new WSIU channel designation to appear.

For digital set-top boxes, some have reported that a power-cycle (turning the box off and then back on) followed by a rescan has been successful. For digital televisions, a longer power-cycle (about 2 minutes) is needed to remove the old WSIU DT information.

Our WUSI Digital television trasmitter at Olney will remain at digital channel 19. Our analog transmitter, WUSI TV 16 Olney will cease broadcasting February 17th.

WSIU Digital Television FAQ

Do you transmit HD programming on satellite? With my Dish Network subscription I only receive your SD signal. If you do not broadcast in HD, when do you plan to?

The satellite providers are carrying what we have designated as our "main channel"- which is now 8.2 (SD). This will change to our 8.1 HD channel sometime in May- as soon as we complete our Master Control digital renovation project that will allow us to control the HD channel and use local content on it.

Why are we cutting off writing and faces on our channel (8.2 as carried by DirecTV and cable)?

WSIU is not doing the cutting. Currently, WSIU is simply "passing through" all HD programming from the satellite as originated from PBS. The programs have begun originating that way from PBS since they made the transition this month to HD 16X9. PBS is working on a solution to resolve the problem

The picture seems to overfill the screen and faces are enlarged. Sometimes I can't see the information the screen. Why is that?

Unfortunately, this is a PBS network problem. PBS is converting distribution of programming from a 4X3 aspect ratio to 16X9. Most PBS stations must compromise by filling the screen with the logos and writing cut off so that other programming will not have a big black frame surrounding a reduced size image.

PBS is working on a solution and we will endeavor to pass through the corrected feeds as soon as PBS provides them.

What is happening with your channels?

WUSI-TV

February 15 at 11pm
WUSI TV analog 16 ceases regular program lineup and starts running the "This Old House DTV Special" along with helpful information from the FCC as well as a slate notification about the impending analog shutoff.

February 17 at 9pm
WUSI TV analog 16 ceases broadcasting permanently.

WSIU-TV

Jan. 27 -11pm
WSIU-TV analog 8 ceases regular program lineup and starts running the "This Old House DTV Special" alternating with a slate notification about the impending analog shutoff.

Jan 29-10am
WSIU-TV analog 8 shutoff

Feb 2 -11pm
WSIU digital 40 (14.1kw) shutoff to modify transmitter for digital channel change from UHF to VHF.

Feb 3 - 8am
WSIU digital 8 commences-with power increase to 30kw

Feb 18 - delayed
WSIU digital 8 increases to full authorized power to 53kw
This has been delayed due to the extension of analog shutoff. Currently, we cannot increase power until June 12.

Are You Ready?

WSIU Public Television Will Complete the Transition to Digital On Thursday, January 29, 2009

At 11pm on Tuesday, January 27th, WSIU TV 8 Carbondale will cease regular programming.
Viewers will see information pertaining to converting their old television sets to receive digital signals and other helpful information.

At 10am on Thursday, January 29, WSIU TV 8 Carbondale will cease broadcasting analog television broadcasting.
For the past few years, WSIU and WUSI, like all television broadcasters across the United States, have run analog and a digital transmitters simultaneously. Now that the government-mandated transition is complete, it is time to say goodbye to analog!

Our newer digital television broadcast transmitters are more efficient and can carry multiple channels. If you already have a digital TV or set-top converter box, you’re probably enjoying our multiple channels. Our HD channel 8.1 provides the best high-definition programs that PBS has to offer. Channel 8.3 provides “Create,” a service from American Public Television offering “how-to” programs around-the-clock. Finally, our main WSIU and WUSI channel, 8.2, is delivered to you with improved digital clarity.

Attention, WSIU Over-the-Air (OTA) Analog Viewers

If you are not a cable or satellite subscriber and watch WSIU on an analog television set using an antenna, you must take the following actions now in order to continue watching WSIU Television after January 29.

1. Purchase a digital converter set-top box for your analog television or buy a new digital television. Converter boxes are available at most retail outlets for between $40-70. To offset the cost, the federal government is providing two $40 coupons per household. In order to receive your coupons before the transition, you must apply now at www.dtv2009.gov or 1-888-DTV-2009.

2. Check your antenna status. If you currently receive a good WSIU or WUSI analog signal with your set-top or rooftop antenna, your DTV reception should be OK. Contact us at (618) 453-6156 if you are not receiving WSIU after installing your converter box or after installing a new digital TV.

The FCC has some helpful consumer facts related to antennas, digital television and solving reception problems.

Important information about your antenna! To improve our signal coverage, WSIU TV digital is moving broadcasts from the UHF to the VHF frequency band. After February 3, 2009, you will need a VHF antenna to view WSIU TV 8 digital channels. WUSI TV digital channels 16.1, 16.2, and 16.3 are currently and will remain on the UHF band. If you currently receive
WUSI digital television, you do not need to do anything after February 3.

Not sure if your antenna is adequate? Visit AntennaWeb online at www.antennaweb.org to determine the antenna you will require. Or, call WSIU for assistance at (618) 453-6156.

Why is WSIU Going Digital Only?

In the mid-1990s, Congress and the Federal Communications Commision determined that all full-power broadcast stations must transition to digital-only television (DTV) broadcasting. In 2006, Congress set February 17, 2009 as the official date when analog broadcasting will cease.

This transition was mandated for two reasons: DTV is a more efficient transmission technology, offering crystal-clear pictures and sound, as well as the option to offer high-definition broadcasts and multiple channel streams; It will release valuable analog radio frequency spectrum for vital emergency wireless and mobile telephone services.

Analog television has been serving us well since July 1, 1941, but unfortunately, it is now time to say good bye!

What is the Cliff Effect?

Digital television, like all newer wireless digital communications systems, can suffer from a malady known as the “Digital Cliff.” If you have a digital TV, you’ve probably experienced this effect! You may switch on your television one day and see a perfect picture. A few hours later and without warning, the picture may be very badly distorted or disappear altogether.

The Cliff Effect may be best explained this way: analog television’s gradual degradation (that is, the farther from the analog transmitter you go, the worse the picture gets) is a result of the weaker analog signal being overcome by atmospheric noise or even electronic noise in the television’s circuitry. A noisy or “snowy” picture may be annoying, but it still can be watched.

Digital television, by its nature of conveying a picture by a series of numbers or “digits,” can send extra information or numbers along with the broadcast to ensure the picture’s clarity. This means that even if the signal is weak or noise interferes with reception, the extra information can correct the errors to ensure a perfect picture. However, the corrections can only work up to a certain point. When there are too many errors, the error correction system will break down and the picture will disappear. It is hard to tell how close you are to the digital cliff without falling off!

Most new digital TV sets and set-top converter boxes feature a built-in signal quality meter display, which let you know if you are sufficiently far enough away from falling over the digital cliff. Be sure to read the instructions provided with your digital TV receiver or set-top converter box, which will explain how to use the meter to maximize your received signal and identify the best position for your antenna.

How to Install a Digital-to-Analog Converter Box

Step 1: Unplug the existing coaxial antenna wire from your TV “Antenna In (RF)” port.

Step 2: Plug the existing coaxial wire into the “Antenna In (RF)” port on your Converter Box.

Step 3: Using the coaxial wire that comes with your Converter Box, plug one end into the “Out To TV (RF)” port on the Converter Box. Plug the other end into the “Antenna In (RF)” port on your TV.

Step 4: Plug the power cords on your Converter Box and TV into a power outlet, and turn on your TV and Converter Box. Using the instructions that come with your Converter Box, tune your TV to channel 3 or 4. Using the remote that comes with your Converter Box, follow the on-screen set-up guide to scan for available DTV channels, and begin enjoying the benefits of digital television!

If you experience any problems in setting up your DTV converter box, contact us at (618) 453-6156.

Hello World!

Hailing from the basement of the Communications Building on the campus of Southern Illinois University Carbondale - this is the blog of WSIU Public Brodcasting