Sunday, December 16, 2007

What is Channel 8.2 (WMTW) and Channel 6.2 (WCSH)

All digital TV broadcasters have the availability of up to 4 “sub-channels”. This means that channel 8 in Portland Maine can actually broadcast on digital TV channel 8.1, 8.2, 8.3, and 8.4. The more sub-channels used the less the quality, so most broadcasters limit themselves to just two.

For Channel 6, Portland WCSH, they use 6.1 for their regular digital/high defintion broadcasts and channel 6.2 for “Weather Plus” - all weather, all the time.

Channel 8, Portland WMTW, uses channel 8.2 for what is called “News Now” which includes regular updates on news, weather, and sports. The picture quality is not that great but you get a lot more information as compared to channel 6.2.

Keep in mind that these sub-channels are only available if you have an HDTV and us and UHF/VHF antenna over the air, or if your cable/satellite company has included them in their lineup.

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