PRESS RELEASE — Friday, July 29, 2011
For Information Call Anne Peterson at 208-373-7368
or Bob Evancho at 373-7369
IdahoPTV's Main Channel Broadcasts In High Definition Beginning August 9
— Viewers of Over-the-Air Broadcasts May Need to Re-Scan TV Sets or Converter Boxes (DVRs)— For Viewers of Cable, Satellite Little or No Change
Idaho Public Television's main Idaho Channel (subchannel 1) steps up to broadcasting in high definition beginning August 9. At the same time, the current over-the-air HD Channel (subchannel 2), renamed Plus Channel, begins broadcasting in standard definition widescreen format and featuring programming theme nights.
The main Idaho Channel will continue to carry the familiar mix of PBS prime time and children's programming, as well as IdahoPTV productions, specials and favorite series, such as the British comedies on Saturday nights. The change allows all programming produced in high definition to be seen in full detail when beamed over the air from IdahoPTV's five transmitters and many of its translators.
"We are committed to continually improve the quality of our Idaho Public Television service," General Manager Peter W. Morrill says. "Our long-term digital plan always envisioned that our primary channel would broadcast over the air in high definition. New and improved technology at a cheaper price, and a wider selection of HD programming has allowed us to make the change now, as we approach our 10-year anniversary of digital broadcasting."
The changes will be made shortly before midnight on August 8 so as to cause the least disruption to viewers. When completed, people who receive IdahoPTV's over-the-air broadcasts may need to re-scan their digital television receivers or set-top converter boxes.
No adjustments should be required of cable and satellite subscribers. However, the main Idaho channel may be offered in both standard-definition widescreen and high definition versions, with the high-definition version included as part of premium packages.
Viewers who have questions or are in need of assistance can call IdahoPTV's Boise office at 208-373-7220 or toll-free at 1-800-543-6868 during business hours, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Mountain Daylight Time, Monday through Friday.
The new programming on Subchannel 2, now renamed IdahoPTV Plus Channel, features a mix of shows around a different theme each night during prime time hours. Starting August 9, look for:
- History and biography on Sundays
- Idaho/Northwest and exploration on Mondays
- Science on Tuesdays
- Drama and mystery on Wednesdays
- British comedy on Thursdays
- Nature on Fridays
- Music and performance on Saturdays
IdahoPTV's two other over-the-air channels — Learn/Create and World — will see no change. Learn/Create (subchannel 3) offers a combination of formal educational programming and lifelong learning shows, which include how-two series about cooking and crafting. World (subchannel 4) features news, public affairs and documentary programs. Learn/Create and World also broadcast floor action from the House of Representatives and Senate when the Idaho Legislature is in session, as well as some legislative hearings.
The opportunity to upgrade the IdahoPTV statewide broadcast service is the result of a generous grant from the M.J. Murdoch Charitable Trust grant and the now defunded U.S. Department of Commerce Public Telecommunications Facilities Program (PTFP).
The statewide IdahoPTV system includes five transmitters in the Boise, Twin Falls, Pocatello-Idaho Falls, Moscow and Coeur d'Alene areas. The transmitters plus 42 translators carry the over-the-air signal to approximately 97 percent of Idaho's population.