WHSV TV3 returned regular programming to its analog signal at 4 p.m. Friday February 20. The station had ceased regular programming at 11:59 p.m. Monday, February 16 in response to the nation’s switch to digital television.

However, WHSV will now broadcast both its analog and digital signals until June 12.

“We made the initial decision to sign off because we felt the market was prepared,” says WHSV General Manager Tracey Jones. “We also knew some people who would not be able to receive our digital signal would not be able to get it no matter when the switchover occurred.”

Jones adds the educational process of the DTV conversion was an overwhelming success. The station aired Public Service Announcements, reported news stories and offered experts over the phone to help people transition to digital TV.

“Out of all the calls we received this week, only three people said they couldn’t afford a converter box,” says Jones. “Most of the calls were about the difficulty with getting our digital signal.”

Even before the transition, WHSV TV3 had been working on two translator projects with the County of Rockingham and WVPT - TV, the area’s PBS affiliate, to strengthen its digital coverage area.

“We had been expecting a flood of calls after the switch, but we’ve gotten far fewer than we thought we would,” says Jones. “We feel these translator projects will help serve many of the communities that are currently having problems getting WHSV’s digital signal.”

Because WHSV is the only source of news and emergency information in many parts of the area, WHSV decided to sign its analog signal back on to allow more time for the translator projects to be completed.

“We’re hoping the concern from the public will convince our elected leaders to help fast-track these projects so that our community can continue to be served by WHSV,” says Jones.

In addition to returning the analog signal, WHSV and the County of Rockingham will hold a town hall meeting Thursday at 6:30 p.m. at the Bergton Community Center.

The town hall meeting is designed to continue to answer questions about the DTV conversion. However, even with the additional translators, there are areas that will no longer be served when the DTV conversion is complete June 12.

Jones says, “Areas like Bergton and many areas in West Virginia like Sugar Grove will not be helped by these translators.”

Viewers who receive WHSV through Direct TV or cable will not be affected by any of the changes associated with the DTV conversion.