DTV FAQ's

TV5 offers all available CBS network HDTV programming, including the number one daytime drama The Young & The Restless, and the majority of CBS prime time programming, syndicated program Ellen, Two and a half Men and My Name Is Earl, and selected movies, sports events, and special presentations.
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Digital Television "Frequently Asked Questions"
Q: What is DTV?
DTV stands for Digital Television. It is the broadcast standard that has replaced the oroginal analog transmission system. The digital transmission system captures images and sounds using a digital code comprised of ones and zeros, just like computers. This system increases the efficiency of signal delivery and virtually eliminates "ghosting" and other forms of interference common with the current analog technology.
Key features of digital television include:

• high definition television (HDTV)
• multi-casting in standard definition
• television (SDTV)
• data transmission

Q: What is High Definition Television?
High definition television, or HDTV, uses the larger portion of the assigned spectrum of digital programming space to provide a single program. As a result, viewers will be able to receive crystal clear, sharp images at five times the resolution of analog television, all in a wide-screen format with surround-sound quality audio. The visually stunning pictures displayed on the wider screen (16 by 9 aspect ratio vs. the square box of 4 by 3 aspect ratio) and CD-quality sounds of HDTV create a true home theater experience.

Q: What is Multi-casting?
When not broadcasting in high definition, digital television gives each station the potential to transmit four or more programs simultaneously. Standard definition television (SDTV) multicasting uses a compression technique that's only available with a digital system. Though it's not high definition, SDTV offers higher quality images with stereo sound that far exceed the current analog system. Ultimately, multi-casting provides the possibility of more over-the-air programming choices for our viewers. WABI-DT broadcasts The CW network in standard definition on a secondary digital channel (WABI-DT2--Channel 5.2). Due to the available spectrum, we will continue to offer HDTV from CBS on our primary digital channel (WABI-DT1-- Channel 5.1).

The majority of local cable operators carry The CW as a basic TV service, and The CW is also available as a local channel on DirecTV and Dish Network. You should contact your cable or satellite service operator with any questions regarding their carriage of the local CW station.

Q: How is data transmitted?

Digital TV, whether it's HDTV or SDTV, transforms television viewing from a passive to an interactive experience. The digital technology may enable broadcasters to use leftover bandwidth to transmit video, audio, text and data directly to computers, fax machines and televisions.

Essentially, data transmission gives broadcasters the capability of providing additional information to the viewer . . . and the viewer the option of acquiring that information. Some kinds of information that may one day be at your fingertips as a result of data transmission include complete program guides, additional information about a historical documentary, or recipes used in a cooking program.

Q: How does over-the-air broadcast Digital TV compare to Digital Broadcast Satellite?
There are some differences between DTV and DBS. For one-- DTV is FREE over-the-air. No satellite receiver is required, and there are NO monthly subscription fees.

Q: Do I have to replace my old TV set?
Yes . . . and no.  Converter boxes are available so viewers can tune into the digital channels on their analog TV sets. Cable and satellite subscribers will also be able to use their analog sets, but it's important to check with your cable or satellite company in case special equipment is required.

However, to experience all of the enhancements of Digital TV, you will need a new digital television set.

Q: How much will a digital TV or a converter box cost?
As with any new technology, digital TVs were pricey at first, but prices have been dropping as consumer demand has grown. Converter boxes, or set-top boxes, which allow viewing of digital signals on current analog sets, are considerably less expensive.

It's best to check directly with a local electronics retailer for specific pricing and product information.

Q: Will I have to pay to receive the digital signal?
Over-the-air will continue to be free to consumers. According to the FCC rules, every station is required to transmit at least one free stream of programming. Currently, TV5 is providing a free digital simulcast of our analog programming, as well as a free secondary digital channel affiliated with The CW network.

Q: Can I watch WABI-TV5 Digital on cable or satellite?