TBN begins shift to Digital

TBN Shifts to Digital and “Multicasts” its Channels Simultaneously to Viewers

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(Los Angeles)-----In 1996, the Federal Communications Commission declared a new era in television—the mandatory shift from analog to digital television. In line with the FCC’s declaration, the Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN), the world’s most watched faith network, is taking steps to ensure that all TBN viewers partake in the full benefits of this television revolution.

“With digital television, TBN viewers will see TBN programs and channels more clearly and have greater viewing options,” says Paul Crouch, Jr., Vice President of Administration at TBN.

Digital television (DTV) replaces the older analog system which is more than 50 years old. DTV allows stations to broadcast programs in much higher resolution and clarity than standard television. In a digital system, images and sound are captured using the same binary code found in computers—ones and zeroes.

For the viewer, DTV means high-quality, crystal-clear pictures. But not only does digital television dramatically improve the quality of the television picture, it also makes ‘multicasting’ more than one channel possible. Multicasting is what Disney and HBO offers its viewers—multiple choices. “Soon TBN will be able to offer that same dynamic to viewers around the world,” declares Crouch.

“Multicasting means that viewers will have access to all five of our channels, not just one”, says Crouch. “They will see TBN, JC-TV, Church Channel, TBN Enlace and our newest offering 'Smile of a Child' for younger viewers.”

Currently, television viewers can watch digital television on their current TV sets through the use of a digital converter box. DTV information is encoded in a different way than the analog television signal and, thus, requires a different kind of receiver. For the full benefits of digital television viewers will need new digital television sets.

TBN’s shift to digital television is consistent with its vision of providing innovative programming around the world. That is why TBN plans to offer more movies, documentaries, and eventually sitcoms and dramas that will reach a broader mainstream audience.

“We’re becoming more inclusive when it comes to venues that will impact mainstream society in a positive manner,” says Crouch. “TBN will continue to provide what scores of households around the world are eager to engage in—quality programming that’s matched with contemporary content that nurtures family values and upholds spiritual beliefs.” According to Crouch, TBN seeks to do more than merely be another channel. “TBN’s goal is to inspire people, engage their minds, and encourage their spirit through contemporary and positive programming that speaks to people from all walks of life,” he says.

TBN produces more original Christian programs than any other religious network. The vast array of programs include gospel music concerts out of Nashville, “Live” coverage of major Christian events, informative talk shows with exciting guests, and Health and Nutrition programs with Christian family doctors. TBN also offers children’s shows with positive and uplifting moral values, hot contemporary Christian music videos for Gen-X’ers, and marriage enrichment series designed to strengthen the family. The network also features gala Holiday specials, inspiring Christian dramas, movies, and worship services from America’s largest churches—and more.

As a word of explanation, there are two maps for each station.

1.  The first is labeled with red signal marked "48 dbu" in the lower left corner.  These maps represent the area that TBN's DTV station can be received using an outdoor  antenna.  This is particularly true towards the outer areas.

2.  The second map is labeled with a red signal marked "58 dbu" in the lower left corner.  These maps indicate the area in which TBN's DTV signal can likely be received with an indoor antenna under reasonable conditions. "Reasonable conditions" mean providing the room in which the indoor antenna is located is not buried deeply in the center of the house and surrounded by other rooms with no windows anywhere nearby.  The fewer walls between an indoor antenna and the outside, and particularly the closer to a window an indoor antenna is, the better the chances of success with it.

ABOUT DIGITAL TV

FCC brochure about DTV


VIEW DIGITAL MULTICASTING MAPS (click link below)

All stations (large pdf)


Individual Stations Maps & News:

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