Hospitality TV Distribution – Will you be ready when standard television broadcast signals go dark on February 19, 2009? November 15, 2007

EscapeWire Solutions is your single source provider specializing in MATV/SMATV, Lodging Televisions, HDTV Distribution, Programming, Content, Design, Installation and Service.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)

Q. Will I need to upgrade my existing television distribution system to be able to deliver digital High Definition programming to my guest rooms?

A. If your existing distribution system was designed and balanced properly then you should be able to upgrade it for high definition programming without replacing the cable going to the rooms.

Q. Why is February 19, 2009 important and how will this date effect me?

A. The FCC has designated February 19, 2009 as the date that all standard definition NTSC broadcasts will stop broadcasting (most of the major networks are already broadcasting digital ATSC signals and will shut down their NTSC signals on this date). That means that as of this date if you have not upgraded your system to receive digital ATSC broadcasts you will likely not be able to receive broadcasts of the major networks any longer.

Q. After February 19, 2009 will my existing TV sets still work?

A. Televisions with NTSC tuners will work only if the program that you want to watch is being broadcast in an NTSC format. Once the program providers switch their signals to ATSC then your existing NTSC television will not work unless a set top box to convert ATSC signals back to NTSC is purchased. Keep in mind that if you convert back to NTSC you will no longer be showing a digital high definition signal so it may not be worth investing in this type of technology.

Q. What is Pro Idiom and do I need it?

A. Without getting to technical, Pro Idiom is an encryption method developed to prevent against program signal theft in lodging environments. In general you will need to use this technology if you are broadcasting high definition Pay per View content and/or premium high definition free to guest programs such as HBOHD, ESPNHD, etc.

Q. If I am going to purchase new televisions for my property what features do I need to look for?

A. The most important thing to consider is the type of tuner(s) the television has. Any new television sold after March 2007 will contain both NTSC and ATSC tuners. (the NTSC tuner requirement will likely be phased out sometime after February 2009). You will need an ATSC tuner to receive digital broadcasts. Depending on your program provider and type of programming you are planning on providing, you may also need to have a QAM tuner and Pro Idiom as well. The best bet is to speak with your program provider/system integrator prior to purchasing televisions in order to assure that the televisions you purchase are compatible with your system and any future changes that my come about.

For More information Contact EscapeWire Solutions at 716.893.4984 or visit us on the web at www.escapewire.com