Newsplex Makes The Switch To Digital

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Updated: 11:37 PM Feb 17, 2009 Newsplex Makes The Switch To Digital The switch from analog to digital is complete at the Charlottesville Newsplex. CBS19, ABC16 and FOX27 now broadcast a digital signal. Posted: 6:53 PM Feb 16, 2009 Reporter: Mark Tenia Email Address: mark.tenia@wcav.tv

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February 16, 2009

Although Congress pushed the national DTV deadline to June 12, we made the decision to start the switch Monday.

"There were a number of factors involved. We didn't want to confuse viewers further. We've been advertising for a year now that the date was February 17. There's also a great expense to continue to operate our analog transmitter," said Newsplex General Manager Brad Ramsey.

The process began Monday morning, after crews from out of town and our engineers stopped ABC16's analog signal and started broadcasting it digitally.

"We have a crew that was in town this morning to help with that work and trained and experts in what they do to help us bring down the WVAW analog transmitter," said Ramsey.

"Had to replace an antenna, which we did earlier today. That's the reason our signal was off for several hours. And had to put the new antenna up to help people get better coverage," said Tim Free, director of engineering.

For them, it was much more than just flipping a switch.

"Purchasing new equipment to replace the analog transmitters, the equipment that has to be put here at the station," said Free.

It started a new era for our stations.

"When folks wake up tomorrow morning, CBS19, ABC16 and WAHU Fox27 will all be digital over the air," said Ramsey.

And the stations will be in better quality for our viewers.

"Overall picture quality is going to be dramatically increase. If they're used to a ghosting picture or a fuzzy picture from what they watched before, a digital picture is going to be clear all the time," said Free.

Questions?
Call the DTV Help Center toll free at 1-877-388-0413.

Latest Comments

Posted by: John Location: Charlottesville on Feb 17, 2009 at 10:01 AM

When will you broadcast over the air HDTV programming? Thanks.

Posted by: Lee Location: Charlottesville on Feb 17, 2009 at 09:33 AM

When will the HD signal be broadcast over the air?

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