We'll be changing the characteristics of our satellite multiplex in July to accommodate the departure of 360North (formerly Gavel to Gavel) from the bundle. When we have a firm date we'll distribute the details. For most SA D9223 and D9850 receivers, the switch will be uneventful; the rocket scientists will deliver the instruction set directly to the receiver's brains and end users will not notice any difference. (except those users who were watching 360North)
There will almost certainly be a small percentage of the SA receivers, plus all non-SA receivers, that will need to be reprogrammed manually. We'll be posting instructions at http://www.arcstv.org/, and here of course, as soon as we get those details worked out.
Beginning July 1, 2008, 360North will be distributed by GCI; for more information on how to acquire their signal, contact Bill Legere at KTOO FM & TV in Juneau at 907-486-1670.
Thursday, June 19, 2008
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ARCS, Digital Television, and The Future
You have probably heard a lot about Digital Television and the upcoming February deadline when “all TV must be digital”. Well, not exactly. Even after February 2009, ARCS will still be “Analog” and your current TV will work just the same way it does now. You won’t need to make any changes to keep watching because ARCS is a “low-power” television system that is not required by the FCC to convert to digital at this time.
The FCC has required some 1,700 full-power stations nationwide to meet this conversion deadline. However there are nearly 7,000 low-power transmitters across the USA, just like ARCS, which are not yet required to convert. Most of these transmitters serve viewers in rural communities.
ARCS probably will convert to digital in the next three to five years, so eventually you will need to do something. One thing you can do right now is check out the TV Converter Box Coupon Program. Created by Congress, this program allows households to get up to two coupons, each worth $40, for use in obtaining a box that will convert over-the-air digital television signals for viewing on an analog television set. Even though you won’t need a converter to watch ARCS in the near term, you can still get your coupons, use them to purchase converters at the reduced cost, and then keep them for future use. You can find out more at http://www.dtv2009.gov/ or by calling toll free, 888-388-2009.
Meanwhile we continue to work with volunteers across the state, in more than 230 communities, to repair and maintain the ARCS system.
Would you like to help keep ARCS going in your community? Send an email to arcstv@gmail.com.
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