By Mary Pruess, WNIT President and General Manager
As many of you know, WNIT recently experienced the failure of its two major signal amplifiers, which has resulted in the cessation of our analog broadcasting. The analog signal reception for viewers in our region has been lost and will not be restored.
Fortunately, WNIT has already made the transition digital and is broadcasting all your favorite programs from our state-of-the-art digital transmitter right now. Any viewer experiencing the loss of their analog signal can take measures to receive our digital signal almost immediately. It only takes a couple of simple steps to be all set for digital TV today.
Naturally, we considered replacing the failed tubes, and it is important to note that, at any other time, restoring the analog transmitter to full power would happen immediately. The circumstances surrounding the current equipment problems are unique and require unique solutions to effectively address them.
First, WNIT is already broadcasting two digital channels (and has been for several years) that are used by a large majority of our viewers and are easily accessible to anyone right now. While the federally-mandated cut-off date for analog broadcasting is next February, viewers can make a quick, one-time upgrade to their sets that will resolve the issue immediately. Additionally, the cost to replace the transmitter equipment is quite high and WNIT feels a particular commitment to be responsible stewards of the contributions entrusted to us. We simply could not see it as fiscally prudent to make a sizeable investment in a technology that is already obsolete and will be entirely useless in a matter of months.
Therefore, we have decided to channel our resources into assisting our members and the general public in making the conversion to digital now. Our analog viewers have several options that are quick, easy and efficient. First, a viewer can purchase a digital converter box from local retailers. Wal-Mart, Radio Shack, ABC Warehouse and others all have plentiful supplies of these converter boxes. They range in price from $ 45 to $ 70 and vouchers to defray most of the cost are available from the U.S. government. The converter boxes are easy to install and require no further, ongoing expense.
Secondly, viewers may opt to switch their signal from over-the-air to a cable or satellite provider. Since almost all of these systems receive WNIT programming through our digital transmitter, there has been no loss of reception quality. Finally, viewers can purchase a digital television set. While this would be more expensive than the other choices, it would merit consideration if you are considering replacing your current set in the near future.
In any case, WNIT is ready and able to help you make this conversion. We have established a digital transition hotline at 1.866.964.8674 to answer any question you may have. If you have questions, please call us at that number or visit our website, wnit.org. We will provide you with all the information you need to upgrade your television and to work with you to apply for the converter box coupons or to find a retailer near you.
All analog viewers will need to make a change by next February. While WNIT certainly didn't desire a disruption to our signal for any of our viewers, it does give our audience the opportunity to make the conversion to digital right now. By making the switch, viewers will not only receive their current programs, but they will receive additional digital channels on WNIT and on many commercial channels as well.
As public television for Michiana, WNIT has proudly served the communities of our area for more than three decades. In the digital TV world, the programs you've come to expect from WNIT will still be available. And it will still be free to everyone!
Public television offers an incredible spectrum of entertainment and education, information and inspiration. By making the conversion to digital reception at this time, you will stay abreast of a changing technology and keep your window open to this magical world. And WNIT is with you every step of the way. WNIT - now as always, television worthy of your trust.