Countdown for Analog Cutoff:

NETWORK KNOWLEDGE had the first stations in the area on the air with Digital Television. Network Knowledge’s broadcast stations WSEC, WQEC & WMEC were on the air with both standard definition and high definition programming in the summer of 2002. We know that viewers (and Members) of NETWORK KNOWLEDGE have many questions about this new technology which is changing the way you watch television. As with our analog signal, the digital (DT) is offered FREE over the air. All you need in most occasions is an antenna in order to receive our digital reception.

What is Digital Television?
Digital television is new technology television, yielding clearer pictures, better sound, more free over-the-air channels, and more viewing excitement than traditional analog television. Digital TV offers a picture free of "ghosts," "snow" or interference. The crisper, sharper image is due to the increased number of pixels the digital signal puts on the screen - the higher the number, the sharper the picture - and High-definition Television ( HDTV) has the highest resolution available. Additionally, Network Knowledge delivers two simultaneous programs in a Standard-Definition (SDTV) format along with the beautiful high definition programming … for a total of three channels of programming delivered to your home.

What is the coverage area for Network Knowledge’s Digital Broadcast?

The transmitters and digital encoding equipment used by WSEC-DT, WQEC-DT & WMEC-DT are manufactured by Harris Corporation in Quincy .

Why is Digital TV better than "regular" analog TV?
DTV brings viewers five times the picture resolution and clarity of analog TV, making viewers feel like they are right in the middle of the action on their screens. Digital TV uses binary code, the same system of ones and zeroes that run on computers and digital is like switching from cassette tape to Compact Disc or from a VHS tape to a DVD - the pictures are clearer and sound is improved, giving viewers the opportunity to experience their favorite programs on a whole new level. What's more, with a 16:9 aspect ratio compared to today's 4:3 aspect ratio of analog television, Digital TV lets viewers see much wider images.

What about my existing analog TV?
Until the total conversion to Digital TV is made, broadcasters will generally simulcast the same programs on two different channels - one in a digital format and one in analog.  Network Knowledge has three different channels of programming available on its digital channels (channels 14.1, 14.2, 14.3 in the Springfield area; channels 27.1, 27.2, 27.3 in the Quincy area; channels 22.1, 22.2. 22.3 in the Macomb area).

What are the different signals that viewers will see on a Digital TV?
Digital TV signals have better resolution than analog TV, which has been in use for more than 50 years. With Digital TV, broadcasters can send various signals to consumers, including:

* High-Definition Television ( HDTV) - An HDTV signal allows a broadcaster to transmit a wide screen picture with many times more detail than is contained in current analog TV pictures. HDTV brings viewers programming so crisp and so clear, it produces an image as sharp as reality. In addition, HDTV offers unsurpassed audio quality.

* Standard-Definition Television (SDTV) - A SDTV signal is another type of signal that viewers experience through DTV. While a SDTV signal also has higher-quality video and audio than an analog signal, SDTV is particularly remarkable because it can bring viewers multiple channels of free over-the-air programming from the same station.

Do I need to convert to digital right away?
The Digital TV transition is happening NOW!. More than 600 local stations are broadcasting a digital signal, ensuring that almost 94% percent of U.S. TV households live in a market with at least one digital signal. The government has loaned each broadcaster an additional TV channel to permit the transition to the new system. Throughout the transition, the government will review penetration of new Digital TV receiver sales every two years. This will ensure that the penetration of Digital TV is progressing as anticipated, so that the total conversion to digital will be a smooth one.