WVLT VOLUNTEER TV began broadcasting a digital, high-definition television signal on Digital Channel 30 in May 2003. To answer a few questions:

What is HDTV?
HDTV (high-definition television) is a TV broadcast digital signal delivering a high-resolution, wide-screen picture with six channels of digital sound. HDTV sets can receive each of these all-digital signals and present them at full resolution.

Do I need to buy a new TV set to receive HDTV?
You can pick up HDTV signals on your analog TV set using a special set-top box. The box will receive the signals but will display them on your TV screen only in normal resolution, not high definition. Currently, Comcast cable and Charter Cable is carrying HDTV signals from local broadcasters; other cable companies are making plans to carry the digital signals also.

How is HDTV different from what I have already?
First, HDTV gives you a much wider screen, similar to what you see at a cinema. In the current analog system, the width-to-height ratio of the on-screen picture is 4/3. HDTV has a width-to-height ratio of 16/9.
Second, an HDTV picture is much sharper and clearer than analog TV. The HDTV picture contains 1080 vertical by 1920 horizontal pixels, for a total of more than two million. The analog picture contains a total of 230,400 pixels.
Finally, HDTV offers six channels of digital surround sound (left, right, center, left rear, right rear and low-frequency effects).

Will WVLT VOLUNTEER TV stop broadcasting on Channel 8 because it is also broadcasting on Digital Channel 30?
No. We will continue to broadcast all our programming on Channel 8 as well as Digital Channel 30. We will do so until the Federal Communications Commission (a part of the federal government that oversees television and radio broadcasting) tells us to switch off our analog signal on Channel 8.

When will that be?
The year 2006 or later. Although most television stations have been broadcasting on their digital channels, analog channels won't go away until the public is ready. The FCC reviews the number of new digital television receiver sales every two years. If the use of HDTV is progressing as anticipated and the vast majority -- 85 percent -- of America's households owns at least one HDTV set, then the analog channels are scheduled to be taken off the air.

Where can I find an HDTV set?
Many electronics retailers carry HDTV sets. If you think HDTV sets are expensive, you're right. But prices are falling, so they're becoming more affordable for many households.

Are all WVLT VOLUNTEER TV programming available in HDTV on Digital Channel 30?
No. Some CBS programs are presented in HDTV, so you are able to enjoy those in that format. You're still able to watch all WVLT VOLUNTEER TV programming, but not all of it is presented in high-definition. We're making internal strides toward increasing our high-definition programming schedule, but it will be a few years before we change over completely.

Where is WVLT VOLUNTEER TV's transmitter?
The analog and digital transmitter are high atop Sharps Ridge in North Knoxville. 

I live on an outer fringe of the viewing area. Does Digital Channel 30 have any of the "snow" or "ghosting" I currently see on Channel 8?
No. Because the signal is digitally transmitted, the picture is perfect as long as you're within the WVLT VOLUNTEER TV viewing area. This can be affected by your surrounding terrain. If you're outside our viewing area, there will be nothing to see at all.
An analog signal is often strongest within a certain radius around the transmitter, and the signal weakens and degrades the further it heads out. An HDTV signal is the same strength whether it's being received a mile from the transmitter or 50 miles from the transmitter. But where the coverage area ends, the signal ends as well.
For the record, Digital Channel 30 is one of the strongest parts of the digital television spectrum, so our digital signal is among the best in the nation.

For more information: CBS HDTV programming; e-mail us any questions you have about WVLT-DT.