What channels will my favorite Maine TV stations be on after the 2/17/09 transition date?
Many stations in Maine will return to their "old" channel positions, while others will remain on their newer "borrowed" digital-TV channels. However, if you have a digital TV, you probably won't notice the difference, though you will need to re-scan your TV set on the transition date 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 on 2/18/09, 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. A detailed technical explanation is beyond the scope of this FAQ, but if you want to know more, search the web on keyword PSIP.
Technical stuff aside, the file below is a channel chart for Maine TV stations, pre- and post-transition. This chart is current as of mid-November 2008.
attached files: digital-channels.pdf
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