How To Receive the Digital Television Signals of WAGM

WAGM currently broadcasts a CBS signal in analog (the traditional television signal for the last 60 years) on VHF (Very High Frequency) Channel 8. Since 2004 WAGM has also broadcasts a digital signal on UHF (Ultra High Frequency) Channel 16. The digital signal has the distinct advantage of being able to carry 2, or more, channels at the same time so WAGM DT16 actually contains our FOX8 station and our CBS8 HD station. This simulcast, or multiplex, capability of the digital signal is just one of the many benefits provided by digital television. Digital television provides a much sharper picture as well as much higher fidelity sound. Digital television also has the ability to provide the viewer with a television guide feature that lists what shows are coming up and a bit about the content of the shows.

The Channel 16 signal that WAGM has been broadcasting since 2004 was designed by Congress and the FCC to be an interim step to the final digital transition. To somewhat complicate an already complicated situation, the FCC has decided that these stations will be called by their old channel numbers so even though the digital signal are broadcast on Channel 16 they are called Channel 8.1 (FOX8) and 8.2 (CBS8 HD). That is how they will show up on your digital television set or digital converter.

The final transition will occur at midnight on February 17, 2009. At that time WAGM will turn off the legacy analog transmitter and turn on a brand new WAGM DT8 transmitter on the original VHF Channel 8 frequency. The interim Channel 16 digital signal will then be turned off. Moving forward viewers in Northern Maine will receive WAGMDT 8.1 (FOX8) and WAGM DT 8.2 (CBS8).

If you wish to view WAGM DT 8.1 and WAGM DT 8.2 we recommend that you use a combination antenna that is capable of receiving both VHF and UHF television signals attached to a digital television set or digital to analog converter box. In areas further than 30 miles from Mars Hill Mountain, where our transmitter is located, you may need an antenna signal booster for maximum reception quality. It is important to make sure that your antenna is aimed correctly for best results. The Canadian stations that reach into Northern Maine will be transitioning to digital in 2011 so a combination antenna will guarantee that no matter what frequency the television station broadcasts on you will be able to watch your favorite shows now and for many years to come.