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FALLS CHURCH, VA – As many broadcast viewers are aware, traditional analog television will go away on February 17, 2009. The analog signals will be replaced with digital signals. For the most part, the process will be transparent to home viewers.  Anyone currently watching local television via cable, satellite or telco services will not be affected. 

However, if you currently watch WNVC-56 WNVC DT-57- MHz Networks 1 over-the-air and do not have a digital television, you will need to purchase a digital converter box in order to watch local television after February 17, 2009.

Viewers may receive information by calling 1-888-DTV-2009, or by visiting www.dtv2009.gov to request a coupon assisting in the purchase of a digital converter box. Viewers may purchase the converter box at most major electronic stores. The cost with the coupon varies, depending on box model, between $40-80. Those who haven’t already done so, should make arrangements.

Once consumers have secured their digital converter box, they should then be aware of the conversion specifics of their favorite local channels.  The digital transition will affect some channels and viewers earlier than others.

MHz Networks is one of a handful of channels throughout the nation switching its analog service off early, in order to prepare for the digital broadcast deadline mandated by the FCC.

On September 1, 2008, MHz Networks will turn off its analog broadcast channel 56 and its digital counterpart DT-57 in order to build the new digital transmission system replacing it, making WNVC-56 WNVC DT-57- MHz Networks 1 unavailable over-the-air from September 1st until February 17th, 2009, when the new digital transmitter goes live.
 
Over-the-air viewers able to view DT 57 may be able to access programming by tuning into 30-1 on their set top boxes or digital televisions. Alternatively, viewers may access WNVC-56 WNVC DT-57- MHz Networks 1 via pay services such as Comcast, Cox & RCN cable, DirecTV, Dish Network, or Verizon FiOS during this time.

On February 17, 2009 viewers watching over the air will need to run a channel scan on their digital TV or digital converter box in order to locate the new digital channels available.

Performing the scan will update systems with all of the new digital channel information needed to continue viewing WNVC-56 WNVC DT-57- MHz Networks 1, as well as experience a whole new catalog of MHz Networks channels- with better digital picture, sound and even more international content direct from the source- all for free.

The digital transition is an exciting time in technology, but also one that will allow even more viewers to experience the mission of MHz Networks: bringing programming and understanding from around the globe, stateside.

While some viewers may be thinking about the channels that will be unavailable for sixth months beginning September 1, others are thinking about the enlightening prospects they will gain with the transition.

Frederick Thomas, CEO of MHz Networks notes, “Digital broadcasting TV is a very exciting opportunity for MHz viewers to have access to the world’s best broadcasters – for free.  It’s not just ‘more TV,’  it’s 'more and better TV.'”

In February 2009, viewers will take in the world from eight authentic international broadcasters, brought to the DC metro by MHz Networks:

MHz Networks 1- MHz Worldview,
MHz Networks 2- South Africa Broadcasting Corp News International,
MHz Networks 3- France 24,
MHz Networks 4- Nigerian Television Authority,
MHz Networks 5- Russia Today,
MHz Networks 6- NHK World TV,
MHz Networks 7- BVN,
MHz Networks 8- Taiwan Macroview Television.

For more information on the digital transition, please visit www.dtv.gov or click on the countdown clock on the MHz Networks homepage at www.mhznetworks.org. 

Contact:
Stephanie Misar
8101 A Lee Highway
Falls Church, VA 22042
703-770-7100
www.mhznetworks.org

MHz Networks is an independent, non-commercial television broadcaster delivering international educational and arts programming and providing diverse cultural perspectives for a globally-minded audience.

MHz Worldview, MHz Networks flagship channel, brings programming to globally-minded audiences in the US though affiliates, including cable, satellite and online. Serving the Washington, DC area’s 4.9 million residents with eight local broadcast channels, MHz Networks features programs from around the world on-air in more than 20 different languages.

A division of Commonwealth Public Broadcasting Corporation headquartered in Richmond, VA, MHz Networks is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization. MHz has studio facilities in Falls Church, VA and at Washington, DC’s Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center.

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