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The Digital Transition» MPT's original "DIGITAL Television NOW" web site Having trouble finding MPT over the air? Some of our viewers may be experiencing difficulty receiving our digital signal. That's because digital transmissions are more sensitive than the old analog signal and can be affected or even impeded by geographic location, obstructions such as tall buildings or trees, and other factors. Additionally, digital reception is "all or nothing;" either you get a picture or you don't. When the digital signal is disrupted there is a "cliff effect," which essentially means that the signal has been disrupted or weakened and has dropped off completely. This characteristic is unlike the analog signal which would gradually deteriorate in picture quality over distances that moved beyond the intended viewing area. MPT has Maryland Covered Maryland Public Television's three channels-MPT, MPT-2 & V-me-are broadcast from six transmitters around the state: Salisbury (28.1, 28.2, and 28.3), Annapolis (22.1, 22.2, and 22.3), Owings Mills (67.1, 67.2, and 67.3), Frederick (62.1, 62.2, and 62.3), Hagerstown (31.1, 31.2, and 31.3) and Oakland (36.1, 36.2, and 36.3). Since digital TV is a directional signal, TV viewers typically need to aim their antenna in the direction of the transmitter to get a picture. Since most residents live in areas served by at least two MPT transmitters, the likelihood of finding a signal is increased. Antenna is Key to Good Reception Your antenna and its ability to bring a strong signal are paramount for adequate reception. The digital signal is designed to be used in conjunction with an outdoor antenna at least 20-30 ft. off of the ground. Although indoor TV top antennas and other similar setups worked very well for the analog signal in the past, this is simply not the case for all digital viewers. We realize this upgrade is not an option for everyone, but we would encourage you to upgrade your set-up as much as your budget and space configurations will allow. http://www.antennaweb.org is a good resource for determining what type of antenna is best for you. Rescan Your Digital TV or Converter Box MPT broadcasts all of its channels at the maximum signal strength allowable. If you are unable to receive an MPT channel using a digital converter box hooked to a TV or a digital TV, there may be a solution for you. The FCC recommends that you perform what is called a "Double Re-scan:"
This process clears the memory of your digital converter or digital TV, and may help pick up channels that you were unable to receive before. If this is unsuccessful, you may have to investigate other options, such as upgrading your antenna. Barring that, viewers may need to investigate a pay television provider such as cable or satellite. If you do so, please be sure to let them know you want MPT in your line-up. Can't find MPT on Cable? On April 14, 2009, Comcast Cable began offering the full range of MPT television channels, including MPT, MPT-2, MPT HD, and V-Me in the Washington, DC metro area, including counties in nearby Virginia, Pennsylvania and West Virginia. In addition to Washington DC, the affected counties include:
These channels are delivered on Comcast exclusively through their digital cable systems. MPT no longer appears on the Comcast analog systems, unless the individual subscriber acquires a box from Comcast, which is available in most cases at no charge. Here are your choices, if you subscribe to Comcast basic service in the affected counties:
Please don't confuse a Set-Top Digital Converter Box (for use with an antenna) with the box required to receive certain channels over Comcast cable. Very few households would need both. The only case where both might be necessary is if you choose to receive your television with cable on one TV and over the air with another or a more technical set-up that allows you to switch from cable to antenna via an A/B Switch. For Cox Customers Cox cable has moved MPT into an all digital format as part of Cox's transition to all-digital cable service. In order to receive MPT, WHUT and other channels designated as all digital channels you must request a digital box from Cox cable. If you already have an analog box you can swap it out for the digital box and the upgrade is absolutely free. If you are currently plugging your cable into your TV, Cox will charge you a monthly fee of $5.50 per box. Please contact Cox for further information. Share your concerns We recognize the frustrating nature of this change for some viewers, and are always available to hear and discuss the thoughts and opinions of our viewers. We also pledge to fully and faithfully represent your expressed views in communications with relevant organizations whenever the opportunity presents itself. Correspondence should be directed to comments@mpt.org. Other Questions Got a DTV Box but not sure how to hook it up, or if it's hooked it up properly? DTV Box and antenna are hooked up, but have reception issues? Want to hook up your DTV Box with a VCR? How to Connect a VCR, DVD Recorder, and Analog TV using one DTV Converter Box? Want to see a visual demonstration of how to connect a DTV box to a TV? Need information about which type of antenna will allow you to receive the most DTV stations at your location? Want to see which DTV stations you should be able to see and signal coverage maps for your specific location? Own an RV with a battery operated TV and need to know your options? Visit the following resource sites for additional information: FCC sites EZ Digital TV
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