DTV & NHPTV - How Will We Change?

DTV & NHPTV - How Will We Change?

Instead of transmitting a single, high-definition program, broadcasters can use this digital signal to transmit – on one channel – a mix of HD and standard-definition programs. Broadcasting several signals simultaneously is called multicasting. NHPTV transmits simultaneously an HD “channel” from PBS and an SD “channel” of the same content that is on our analog channel. NHPTV is currently upgrading its equipment so that it can provide all our locally produced programs in HD.

Digital TV also has the ability to broadcast data at the same time as it’s transmitting a TV program. This is called datacasting. NHPTV is piloting ways to help NH’s public safety community receive critical data in their vehicles.

Datacasting options are available while broadcasting in SDTV or HDTV: Descriptive Video Service, Closed Captioning, Interactive Questions and Answers, World Wide Web content.

Picture This!

It's 2 p.m. on a Friday.

On NHPTV-1, four-year-old Sally is watching her favorite PBS Kids program. While Sally watches, her mother checks out the learning activities on the companion Website.

On NHPTV-2, 14 year-old Jason is taking a course at school based on the PBS series "The Great War." Bad news for Jason: the simultaneous data stream includes a surprise quiz.

On NHPTV-3, 34-year-old Jane is earning credits toward a sociology degree. She can scan the course syllabus, and download homework assignments.

On NHPTV-4, Fred, 64, is watching this week's NH Outlook discussion on education funding in N.H. While he follows the debate, he can read the proposed legislation and committee reports.

multicasting

It's 8 p.m.

Viewers tune in to enjoy a clear, wide-screen format and CD-quality sound. Some may also get online for additional information and interviews not included in the broadcast.

datacasting