NAB's New Online Resource Helps Consumers Identify Local Low-Power TV Stations

September 3, 2008

WASHINGTON, DC — The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) has launched a new online database that allows consumers to determine whether they receive programming from low-power television (LPTV) stations, which are not required to go exclusively digital next February.

The new online database is featured on a special Web site, www.LPTVAnswers.com, which NAB launched last spring to provide a comprehensive overview of the low-power issue and its impact on consumers. While federal law mandates that all full-power stations must transition to digital television (DTV) on February 17, 2009, LPTV stations are excluded from this requirement. With this easily navigable resource, consumers can enter a zip code and get a list of LPTV stations that may be viewable in their areas–stations which may or may not go digital in February 2009.

"We are pleased to provide this information in a user-friendly format to help viewers know whether some of their programming comes from low-power stations and to prepare for the DTV transition accordingly," said NAB President and CEO David K. Rehr.

In order to continue viewing low-power stations that remain in analog, viewers must take special action. Their options include purchasing a converter box with the analog pass-through feature, a TV set with both a digital and analog tuner, or an antenna "splitter" device that connects to a converter box and TV set. More information about LPTV stations is available on the Web site.

LPTV stations fall into two general categories: stations that originate content and translator stations that relay a network or public station's programming to boost a station's signal strength to remote areas.