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You may have heard early discussions about the conversion of NASA TV 
to a digital channel. The conversion is rapidly approaching. You can 
find additional information at 
<http://www.nasa.gov/multimedia/nasatv/index.html>http://www.nasa.gov/multimedia/nasatv/index.html.

Additionally, the following information was released today:

Transition of NASA TV from a single analog channel to multiple 
digital channels is nearing reality. A vendor for the primary 
components of the system was recently selected. For information, go 
to: <http://www.nasadigitaltv.com/>http://www.nasadigitaltv.com 
Installation and checkout of equipment at the NASA centers and NASA 
HQs is underway.

The NASA Public Service Channel will be encoded using the DVB 
standard. Any DVB compliant Integrated Receiver Decoder (IRD) will be 
able to receive and decode the new NASA Public Service Channel. (The 
three other NASA Digital Channels will be Education Services ("Free 
to Air"/"Addressable"), Media Services ("Addressable") and Mission 
Operations (Internal).)

("Free to Air" is a TV channel that local cable and satellite service 
providers are "free to air" at no cost. Your basic, commercial 
"off-the-shelf" IRD can tune a "free to air" digital TV channel, 
provided you have a C-Band satellite receiving dish.)

("Addressable" is a type of IRD that can not only receive "free to 
air" digital TV signals but also can receive and store 
specially-encrypted programming for rebroadcast. For technical 
specifications go to: 
<http://www.nasadigitaltv.com/>http://www.nasadigitaltv.com

Once the digital channels go "live" in early May, NASA plans to 
continue providing the existing analog NTSC NASA TV channel in 
parallel with the new digital channels for at least 60 days to 
provide time for users to convert and confirm they are receiving 
digital NASA TV. The new digital channels will be on the same 
satellite as the analog channel (AMC 6), but on a different 
transponder (17).

For more about the new NASA TV Digital Channels, including the latest 
satellite information, conversion schedule updates and glossary of 
terms, log on at <http://www.nasa.gov/ntv>www.nasa.gov/ntv in the 
coming weeks.

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