News

February 17, 2009

For 7 TV broadcasters, it’s digital conversion day

A few thousand area residents will have blank screens until corrective measures taken.

By Andrew M. Seder aseder@timesleader.com
Times Leader Staff Writer
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By the end of today, seven local television broadcasters will have made the switch from analog to digital signals. An overwhelming majority of households won’t notice.

For a few thousand area residents, however, screens will go blank until corrective measures are taken. Cable and satellite systems and newer televisions can process the new format; for older televisions, digital converter boxes are available at local electronics stores.

WNEP, the ABC affiliate, will change first, after the noon news concludes at 12:30 p.m., according to station General Manager Chuck Morgan. About 11 hours later, at 11:59 p.m., WBRE, the NBC affiliate, and WYOU, the CBS affiliate, will broadcast solely in digital signals, said WBRE General Manager Lou Abitabilo. Joe Glynn, vice president of engineering at WVIA, said the local PBS station, also is making the switch at 11:59 tonight.

WQMY, My-Network TV, will also make the switch today, said Jon Cadman, general manager of WOLF, WSWB and WQMY, though no definite time was given.

Help will be available for anyone who hasn’t adapted their old TV, or who is confused about how to set up a converter.

David Dombrowski, an engineer out of the Philadelphia office of the Federal Communication Commission, said an informational walk-in center is being set up at The Mall at Steamtown in Scranton from 3 to 7 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday to help those with concerns or questions. He said WNEP, WOLF and WVIA have also offered to demonstrate the converter boxes and answer questions at their studios each day this week during normal business hours.

“We think there’s going to be a deluge of calls and we’re trying to alleviate that,” Dombrowski said about the need for the local assistance centers.

Two local stations have been broadcasting digital signals for weeks: WOLF, the area’s Fox affiliate, made the switch Jan. 19; and WSWB, the CW affiliate, did so on Dec. 12.

The only station not making the switch today will be WQPX, Ion TV out of Scranton.

For those with questions about the switch, the Federal Communication Commission can be reached at 1-888-CALL-FCC or by logging on line to: www.dtv.gov.

Local help centers

• WNEP-TV, 16 Montage Mountain Road, Moosic, from 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Or call 207-2485 for the DTV Hotline.

• WVIA-TV, 100 WVIA Way, Pittston, from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Or call 602-1170 for the DTV Hotline.

• WOLF-TV, 1181 Route 315, Plains Township, from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. The DTV Hotline is 970-5600.

• FCC DTV Walk-In Center, The Mall at Steamtown, 300 Lackawanna Avenue, Scranton. Hours are from 3-7 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday.

Andrew M. Seder, a Times Leader staff writer, may be reached at 570-829-7269.

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