Most new HDTV sets only need the addition of an antenna for free reception of NBC15 in HDTV! Or if you own an HD-ready monitor, all you need is a set-top digital tuner (sometimes called an ATSC or DTV tuner) and an antenna. For more information, see the first HDTV link listed below.

NBC15 HDTV service is also available on cable for Madison Charter subscribers for an additional fee.

NBC15 is now available in high definition via a DirecTV subcription, plus DirecTV and Dish Network HD satellite receivers have provisions for adding a TV antenna to pick up the free over-the-air HD broadcasts.

WMTV-DT began broadcasting a digital signal on April 5, 2001. We offer several NBC prime-time shows in high definition, as well as The Tonight Show with Jay Leno and Late Night with Conan O'Brien.

On October 3, 2006, we launched TrueView 24/7, a 24-hour local weather service on digital channel 15-2.

Current HDTV programs on NBC 15:

ER
Heroes
Las Vegas
Late Night with Conan O'Brien
Law & Order
Law & Order: Criminal Intent
Law & Order: Special Victims Unit
Medium
My Name Is Earl
Saturday Night Live
The Office
The Today Show
The Tonight Show


Although digital television can come in 36 different picture formats, broadcast HDTV is primarily in two forms, 1080i and 720p.

1080i describes a widescreen (16:9) picture using 1,080 interlaced lines. Interlaced means that the odd-numbered lines are scanned first, followed by even-numbered lines. Each set of 540 lines is refreshed in 1/60th of a second, for a full picture 30 times a second.

720p describes a widescreen (16:9) picture using 720 lines, progressively scanned, meaning all 720 lines are displayed for a full picture 60 times a second.

NBC has chosen to broadcast HDTV in the 1080i format, and WMTV-DT broadcasts full-time in the same format.

Analog and standard-definition digital video is 480i, or 480 lines, interlaced. When no HDTV programming is available, NBC 15's analog programs are "upconverted" to 1080i.

Digital television broadcasts are on separate TV channels from analog broadcasts. WMTV is on UHF channel 15. WMTV-DT* is on UHF channel 19. We add information to the digital broadcast so your receiver can identify the channel as 15-1 or 15-2 instead of 19.
* DT = "digital television"

There is a lot of misinformation circulating about needing to buy a new HDTV set right away, and only being able to get your local channels by subscribing to cable or satellite. Here are some facts to know:
* We are in a transition period, where nearly all TV stations in the US are broadcasting both an analog and digital signal. Recent legislation calls for all analog TV broadcasting to cease on February 17, 2009.
* In the Madison area, 23% of all viewers watch over-the-air broadcasts exclusively and do not subscribe to cable and satellite. About 4% of viewers get satellite TV but watch the local stations on an antenna. We don't know how many of those 27% are already watching digital broadcasts, but we assume that most are still watching traditional analog TV.
* After February 17, 2009, regular analog TVs (that are not connected to satellite or cable TV) will not be able to receive any local stations unless you add a digital tuner to the TV set. Digital converters will go on sale in the near future at a price of between $50-70. The federal government will provide a $40 coupon toward the purchase of a digital converter. To apply, click here.
* As of March 1, 2007, the FCC required all new TV sets and VCRs to include digital tuners. Many larger sets in stores already have digital tuners built in. If you need to buy a new TV set, make sure to check that it includes a digital tuner.
* Digital tuners will allow you to watch HDTV on an analog TV, so it isn't essential to replace your TV. However, you won't see the full high definition resolution. It's similar to watching a color broadcast on a black-and-white TV. You'll see the program but won't get its full benefit. To see true HDTV, you will need an HD monitor or HDTV set with integrated digital tuner.

HDTV LINKS

CNET's How to get free HDTV using an antenna.
Watch CNET's how-to video.

Society of Broadcast Engineers (Madison chapter) Consumer DTV Guide

CheckHD

Madison HDTV Forum ...Local station reception, news, programming

NBC's HDTV page

The Madison Local HDTV Information and Reception Forum from the national AVSforum web site

The Milwaukee HDTV Forum (some Madison news)

"Destination Digital Television" newsletters from the National Association of Broadcasters