Hawaii Goes Digital Early

The television broadcasters in Hawaii announced that they will transition to digital-only broadcasting one month early. The date, January 15, 2009, is a mere three months away and quickly approaching.

I think this is the right approach to take with the digital transition; allow markets to transition on their own time table rather than a nationwide transition. Now only 208 more markets to go.

For more information check out Hawaii Goes Digital.com.

.2 Network Plans to Launch December 8

In an article in Broadcasting & Cable about a new executive coming on board to the Guardian Enterprise Group (.2 Network owner) they disclosed that the .2 Network will launch on December 8th, 2008. Many have been wondering what was happening with this network. The last news on their web site was from April, more than five months ago. The good news is that it sounds like the network will launch despite fears to the contrary.

Digital Channel Report for Sacramento Area

Here is a list of the broadcasting digital television stations you can receive in the Sacramento, Stockton, and Modesto television market. I will keep the list updated as changes happen.

3.1 - KCRA (NBC)
3.2 - NBC Weather Plus
6.1 - KVIE (PBS)
6.2 - KVIE2 (PBS)
6.3 - V-me (Spanish)
10.1 - KXTV - "News 10" (ABC)
10.2 - News 10 Weather by AccuWeather
13.1 - KOVR (CBS)
19.1 - KUVS (Univision)
29.1 - KSPX (Ion)
29.2 - Qubo
29.3 - Ion Life
29.4 - Worship
31.1 - KMAX (CW)
40.1 - KTXL (FOX)
40.2 - LATV
42.1 - KTNC (Estrella TV/Spanish)
58.1 - KQCA (My Network TV)
58.2 - This TV (added in March 2009)
64.1 - KTFK (Telefutura)

19 total digital channels last updated September 24, 2009.

Vegas TV Station Simulates Analog Shutoff

Las Vegas television KVBC a few days ago simulated what exactly will happen to over-the-air analog viewers on February 17, 2009. The analog broadcast signal went to static and contained a web address and phone number to help viewers make the transition to digital.

This is a great idea and I think other stations across the country should do the exact same thing.

Great idea KVBC.

More at Broadcasting & Cable

Myth: Digital TV is Only Good for 20 to 30 Miles

One of the common misconceptions being spread by those who oppose the digital transition is that digital broadcast signals are only usable for 20 to 30 miles or less. This couldn't be further from the truth. At my parents house in Arizona they have a television with a built-in ATSC turner and a 20 dollar antenna. Their house is 45 miles from the Phoenix broadcast towers on South Mountain. They can hardly receive the analog broadcast channels but they can receive every digital station and all the extra sub-channels. When added up they get more than 20 channels of unique programming for free.

Digital Channel Report for Phoenix Arizona

Here is a list of the broadcasting digital television stations you can receive in the Phoenix television market. I will keep the list updated as changes happen.

3.1 - KTVK (Independent)
5.1 - KPHO (CBS)
5.2 - CBS 5 Weather
8.1 - KAET (PBS-HD)
8.2 - PBS Create
8.3 - PBS World
8.4 - KBAQ/Classical Music
10.1 - KSAZ (FOX)
12.1 - KPNX (NBC)
12.2 - NBC Weather Plus
15.1 - KNXV (ABC)
15.2 - GoAZ.TV Traffic Information
21.1 - KPAZ (PBS)
21.2 - Church Channel
21.3 - JCTV
21.4 - Enlace USA
21.5 - Smile of a Child
27.1 - KAZT (Independent)
27.2 - RTN, Retro Television Network
33.1 - KTVW (Univision)
33.2 - Telefutura
45.1 - KUTP (My Network TV)
51.1 - KPPX (Ion)
51.2 - Qubo
51.3 - Ion Life
51.4 - Worship Network
61.1 - KASW (CW)

Request Your Converter Box Coupons

Converter box coupons are now being distributed. If you haven't yet requested your own converter vouchers yet you can do that by going to DTV2009.gov. The government will give you one or two coupons depending on how many you request. The National Telecommunications and Information Administration or NTIA for short says that nearly 9 million converter coupons have been requested which is more than 300 million dollars worth. Currently there are 54 eligible boxes you can use your coupons with at more than 10,000 stores across the nation.

Introduction to Go HDTV Blog

This is official the first post on the "Go HDTV" blog. My plans for this site include covering all the latest developments in high definition broadcasting, how you can receive HDTV, and what is in store for the future. Stay tuned and if you have any questions don't be afraid to ask, I would love to help.