Letters and Comments for June 22, 2009

Digital TV confusion

To the Editor:

Some folks with antennas have found the recent digital television transition confusing.

First let me explain that Oregon Public Broadcasting is not part of the Blue Mountain Translator District. OPB is a licensed, full-power TV station and as such was required to turn off the analog channel 13 and transmit digital channel 13. Since translators were not required to go digital on June 12, OPB is still available via analog translator signals on channel 50 off Mount Harris and analog channel 46 off Beaver Mountain south of Baker City.

Those who formerly received OPB via channel 13 from Mount Fanny must either have a digital converter box or a digital television set. You must also rescan the converter box or the digital television to receive the digital channel 13. The conversion occurred at 5:15 a.m. June 12, so if you have lost your OPB signal since that time you are one of those needing to perform the necessary changes.

This does not apply to those with cable or satellite services. Your cable or satellite providers are responsible to perform the conversion for you.

If you are still having problems receiving OPB after rescanning your converter box or television, please call the OPB digital help line at 800-241-8123.

Al Steffler

OPB regional chief engineer

 La Grande