HDTV Information.

Here are answers to the most common questions regarding digital TV and HDTV.

1. I don't have a digital set. Does this mean I won't be able to watch TV5?

You may still be able to receive TV5 programming with your analog set if you are a cable or satellite service subscriber, or by purchasing a "converter box."  See an el;ectronics retailer for more information.

However, if you do want to see High Definition TV, you WILL need a HDTV digital set.

2. Okay. I'm interested. How do I get to see HDTV on WABI TV5?

First, you need to be within our coverage area. If you can currently receive our analog signal -- OVER THE AIR -- it is most likely that you can receive our digital signal. However, terrain and other obstructions may prevent this digital reception in some circumstances, and an antenna upgrade may be necessary - particularly if you have been using rabbit ears. In addition, WABI is currently broadcasting its digital signal in the UHF band. A UHF capable antenna is required to receive our digital signal.

You may also have some difficulties if you are on the "fringe" of our viewing area. As with any broadcast technology, the specifications are theoretical. Therefore, we cannot promise that our digital coverage area matches our analog coverage area, or that your home can receive a digital signal -- regardless of your location in relationship with our transmitter.

Then you'll need a wide screen HDTV set WITH A DIGITAL TUNER. This is a very important point.

Some early digital sets were only HDTV-ready. They are missing one thing: the digital tuner. New sets should have the tuner built in, but ASK your electronics retailer about any set you are considering.

Finally, you may need to use an OUTDOOR aerial antenna, either mounted on your roof, or at a similar height. Unlike analog signals, digital is more subject to interference, and needs a "cleaner shot" to your antenna. Some viewers MAY be able to get a signal without an outdoor antenna, so you can give it a try with "rabbit ears" (in fact we have many local area viewers who receive the signal very well on rabbit ears). If they don't work, though, you may need an outdoor antenna. You should aim your antenna toward our transmitter site for best reception. Our transmitter is in Dixmont, not Bangor.

For help in selecting the antenna that's right for you, we recommend checking this website: www.dennysantennaservice.com

3. I have a converter box or HDTV set, but I can't get you. What's wrong?

See Question 2 for some possibilities. There are other issues, however. Some viewers have had channel questions. TV5's digital signal is transmitted on the UHF band, at channel 19 (CBS programmingis on 19.1; CW programming is on 19.2). However, when you tune to channel 19.1 or 19.2 on your digital tuner, you may discover something a little strange. Many digital tuners have technology that "translates" the UHF frequency to the analog channel number. If you have this technology in your tuner, it will tell your set that this is channel 5.1 or 5.2. A little confusing, initially, but intended to make it easier to find the station once our analog signal goes away.

Try scanning for available channels, then check to see if we're at 5.1 (you'll also find our channel affiliated with The CW at 5.2). If you don't find us, you may simply not be able to receive our digital signal due to obstruction or distance, or you may need to upgrade your antenna.

4. Can I watch TV5's HDTV programs on cable or satellite?

Though we have active digital carriage agreements with everyone, not all cable/satellite operators are technically capable of carrying TV5 in HD at this time, with the exceptions noted below. You should check with your cable or satellite service for more information on their plans for local HDTV programming.