What channels are my favorite Maine TV stations on now, after the transition?
Many stations in Maine have returned to their "old" channel positions, while others remain on their newer "borrowed" digital-TV channels. However, if you have a digital TV, you probably won't notice the difference, though, if you haven't done so already, you will need to re-scan your TV set so it can find any relocated TV signals as well as newer multicast signals. You will also need to re-scan your digital-to-analog converter box, if you have a converter connected to an analog TV set.
Through the magic of PSIP, or Program and System Information Protocol, a data protocol that is the "glue" of a digital-TV signal, channel 6 can be made to appear as if it's still on channel 6, even though it's really broadcasting on channel 44. When you scan your digital TV or your digital-to-analog converter box, it should pick up the signals in your area, regardless of what channel they are operating on. A detailed technical explanation of PSIP is beyond the scope of this FAQ, but if you want to know more, search the web on keyword PSIP.
Technical stuff aside, here is a channel chart for Maine TV stations, post-transition, along with any multicast channels they may be airing.
Portland/Lewiston-Auburn
WCSH (NBC, Weather Plus): 44.1, 44.2
WMTW (ABC, News 8 Now): 8.1, 8.2
WGME (CBS): 38.1, 38.2
WPFO (Fox): 23.1
WPXT (The CW): 43.1
WPME (MY TV, Maine Visitors' Channel): 35.1, 35.2
WMEA (PBS): 45.1, 45.2
Augusta
WCBB (PBS): 10.1, 10.2
Bangor
WABI (CBS, The CW): 19.1, 19.2 (has petitioned to move to channel 13)
WLBZ (NBC, Weather Plus): 2.1, 2.2
WVII (ABC, Fox): 7.1, 7.2
WMEB (PBS): 9.1, 9.2
Calais
WMED (PBS): 10.1, 10.2
Presque Isle
WAGM (Fox, CBS): 8.1, 8.2
WMEM (PBS): 10.1, 10.2
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