MPBN Television Continues Conversion From Analog to Digital Broadcasting.

MPBN is aware of the challenges viewers to MPBN Television have had since Digital conversion, especially in the Bangor Area. 

Many viewers are having trouble recieving MPBN Digital television over the air. 

This can be the result of a number of factors:

• The digital transmission characteristic of abruptly dropping out rather than fading like analog did when distance, hills and buildings interfere.
  
• The frequent need for viewers to move to a special rooftop antenna rather than desk top rabbit ears.
  
• Issues with some early version "converter boxes."
  
• In the Bangor area, MPBN moved the broadcast tower from Eddington to Dixmont to accommodate new digital channel allocations and FCC regulations.
  

MPBN is working hard to help resolve this difficulty in Bangor and other areas of the state.  We are actively exploring the potential to identify and acquire fill-in translators throughout Maine.

Unfortunately, there is no single solution which works for everyone - every situation can have reception issues with locations, equipment, and antenna set-ups.

We might be able to help. Call us to talk to Audience Services. If they cannot assist you, they will forward your question to one of our engineers who may be able to figure out how to improve your particular situation. 

  Call MPBN Audience Services 1-800-884-1717

MPBN's Current Digital Channels

WCBB DT Augusta (Portland, Lewiston/Auburn) - Channel 10
WMEM DT Presque Isle - Channel 10
WMEB DT Orono - Channel 12
WMEA DT Biddeford - Channel 26
WMED DT Calais - Channel 13

To watch MPBN's "Going Digital" program about DTV click the "PLAY" icon below.

To watch a Maine Watch with Jennifer Rooks video documenting the historic moment when the switch was "flipped" on the WMEB analog television transmitter by longtime MPBN employee Herb Dean, click here. 

For a list of Frequently Asked Questions about MPBN's DTV service visit the DTV FAQ.

For information about DTV from the Maine Association of Brodcasters visit the MAB DTV site.

For information from the Federal Communications Commission visit the FCC DTV site.

For information on how to get your converter box coupons visit the DTV Coupon site.

Digital television is about consumer choice. With digital, the Maine Public Broadcasting Network offers more channels because digital is more efficient and can deliver more information than the half-a-century old analog system.

HDTV is turbo-charged television, yielding up to eight times more picture resolution and clarity than analog television, making you feel like you’re in the middle of the action. Digital television provides wider images due to a larger width to height screen size compared to the square format of today’s analog sets.

Click on a Maine Public Broadcasting Network HDTV channel below for scheduling and programming information:

Maine Public Broadcasting Network HD is the channel for all nationally produced PBS programming such as Mystery!, NOVA, Frontline and Masterpiece Theatre—all in amazing high definition clarity.

Maine Public Broadcasting Network is the channel for locally and nationally produced programs many see today on our analog signal.

For more information please visit PBS.org's digital tv resources