Star Valley’s television systems is ready for the mandatory switch to digital television.
Star Valley TV System (Upper Valley) and Lower Valley TV association announced that the transition to digital TV is complete.

Both systems re-broadcast the signals of the major network affiliates in southeastern Idaho.
Limited rebroadcasts from other affiliates are also available in parts of Star Valley.

“What you now have, is what you will have after Feb. 17, 2009, when all television broadcast stations in the United Stares are required to turn off their analog transmitters,” Jim Allred, consulting engineer said.

Allred has been helping the television systems in the upper and lower valley prepare their transmitters for the change.

“The conversion has been done on the mountain tops for both the Upper and Lower valleys,” said Allred.

He explained that the transmitters on the mountain tops are receiving the digital signal from the stations and then converting that signal to analog in order to accommodate all televisions throughout the valley.

“Our translators still transmit an analog signal, and will for the forseeable future,” said Allred. “This means you will not need a digital TV converter box to use with your older analog TV sets.”

Allred warned, “In fact, if you try to install one, you will probably lose your TV Signal.”

Allred pointed out the changes in the Upper and Lower Valley TV systems will only affect those receiving television broadcasts with an antenna.

“If you have satellite, broadband, or cable, no change is necessary,” he said.

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