Digital TV Frequently Answered Questions

As of May 2007, all Green Bay stations are able to broadcast HD. You will see high-definition programming most likely during prime-time and sporting events.

No. Digital signals are currently sent over the air mainly on UHF channels, so any UHF-capable antenna will work. However, various things like distance from the broadcast towers and obstructions between you and the tower may affect the placement and type of UHF antenna you need.

We strongly recommend buying an antenna capable of VHF and UHF. WLUK intends to broadcast their digital signal on their existing channel 11, which is a VHF station, in 2009 when all stations are required to cease broadcasting analog signals. Purchasing a VHF/UHF antenna will ensure that you are able to receive all digital stations in future.

Reasons vary from technical issues to corporations not being able to agree on contracts or fees.

With stations setting enormous potential revenues in retransmission agreements with cable and satellite companies, it is not uncommon for stations to withhold their HD signals if they cannot reach what they consider to be fair compensation agreements. The most widely-known example of this type of quagmire in the Northeast Wisconsin market has been WLUK FOX 11, who has not been able to reach carriage agreements with local cable operators for several years. When DirecTV launched local HD service in the Green Bay market in November 2006, WLUK was again absent from their lineup while other broadcasters like WBAY and WGBA were available. As of this writing, WLUK has still not reached an agreement with DirecTV, although unconfirmed reports have stated that they have reached an agreement with AT&T for their upcoming U-Verse TV service, expected to launch during the Summer of 2007. WLUK maintains an HD FAQ on their website stating their position on not reaching cable/satellite retransmission agreements.

Your signal may be weak. If you are using an antenna, you may need to elevate or reorient the direction your antenna.

In stores, you may see HDTVs marketed as "HD Ready" or as "HDTV Monitors." These HDTVs do not have television tuners built-in. They require an HD-enabled cable box, HD-enabled satellite receiver, or a separate HDTV tuner (sometimes referred to as an ATSC tuner). If you use cable or satellite for your HD service, you could certainly purchase one of these units.

"HD Built-in" means the tuner is integrated into the television. All you would need is an antenna, though you could also use cable box or satellite receiver.

When you see an HDTV in a retail store, more than likely it will be demonstrated with high-definition programming. If you have cable or satellite, your cable box or satellite receiver may not be HD-capable. Call your provider to inquire about getting HD service. If you are using an antenna to receive over-the-air broadcasts, you are likely seeing the standard ("analog") channel. Consult your TV's owner's manual about how to set up your TV for HD with an antenna.

You will need an antenna. Viewers in the Fox Cities typically report better reception with a roof-mounted antenna, though antennas placed in an attic may also work. Indoor antennas may work depending on where you live. Go to www.AntennaWeb.org, enter your address and you will be able to see how far you reside from the broadcast towers, what type of antenna you will need, and in which direction to point.

Digital television refers to any television signal transmitted digitally. High-definition television is a higher-resolution digital signal.

In terms of television, no. Currently, no broadcast networks send 1080p signals. So buying a 1080p HDTV wouldn't be required to take full advantage of television broadcasts. Theoretically, it wouldn't hurt to purchase a 1080p television in the event broadcasters change to 1080p resolution. If you own or are planning on purchasing a next generation video game system (Playstation 3, Xbox 360) or video disc player (HD DVD and Blu-ray), it may be a good idea to go 1080p as these devices are equipped to utilize this resolution.

The difference between 1080p and 1080i is in how the picture is drawn on the screen. The "i" stands for "interlaced," which uses two (odd/even) fields of half the picture's overall resolution to display a full frame. When alternated, the eye does not perceive anything other than a full picture. This is how television has been transmitted for years, and current analog television is referred to 480i. The "p" refers to "progressive," meaning the full picture is drawn from top to bottom, frame after frame.

Time Warner Cable, DirecTV and Dish Network all offer HD DVRs. Check with your own provider as to what lease or purchase options area available. AT&T U-Verse, which is expected to be expanding into the Fox Cities sometime in 2007, will likely offer HD DVRs as part of their TV service. TiVo now offers a standalone "Series 3" HD DVR. While it has some features not found in cable or satellite DVRs like online scheduling, it is widely-considered too pricey for most consumers. The unit itself retails for $799 and requires a monthly service fee or annual commitment. Also, if you plan to use it with cable providers, you must lease "CableCards" from your cable provider in order to receive digital cable channels.

Another potential option for high definition DVR capabilities exists in computer-based recording. Various options including Windows XP Media Center Edition, MythTV or SageTV software are available for those wishing to use their home computers to record TV like a DVR. Various manufacturers like Hauppauge, AverMedia and Pinnacle offer different USB and PCI card HDTV tuners for use with computer-based DVR software. Now some computer manufacturers like HP and Dell offer Windows Vista-based PCs with tuner hardware built-in. These are often advertised a "home entertainment" computers, and using the integrated Media Center functionality in Windows Vista Home Premium Edition, such computers can be used to tune and record TV right out of the box. If you have questions about using a PC as a DVR, consult your computer's manufacturer. You can also e-mail us here at foxcitieshd@gmail.com and we'll try to answer any questions you may have.