After years of preparation, WTOV-TV ceased analog broadcasting at 12:30 p.m. April 16 and is broadcasting solely in digital on Channel 9.

Viewers who rely on over-the-air service must use a DTV receiver or converter box or they will not get reception of WTOV9. Viewers can now watch WTOV9 on Channel 9-1 and Retro Television Network Ohio Valley (RTN9) on Channel 9-2.

The transition has been in the making for more than a decade. The Federal Communications Commission mandated that all television stations broadcast solely in digital no later than June 12.

By television stations nationwide switching to digital broadcasts, more frequencies will be made available to emergency crews so there will be better communications in the event of a multi-state emergency.

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Have Questions About The DTV Conversion? Find Out More In Our Special Section

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For those people picking up the signal using a digital tuner in their televisions or digital converter boxes, they must rescan. For people having trouble getting our signal or need help scanning their boxes, they can call WTOV9 Friday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 800-288-0799

Viewers can also e-mail dtv@wtov.com anytime. In your e-mail, be sure to include your location and what type of antenna you are using.

Some customers with cable or satellite dishes may not be able to pick up WTOV9 if the proper steps aren't taken. While many providers are ready for the conversion, others are not and have no plans to do so.

Comcast, Time Warner, Powhatan Point Cable, Jefferson County-Blue Devil Cable and Sudden Link customers do not need to take any action. Those cable companies are prepared for the digital conversion and will be making the switch for customers. If customers of any of these cable companies are having difficulties, they should contact their cable company.

However, Windjammer Cable is not ready and the company said it has no plans to make the switch. Customers in Freeport, Friendly and Graysville will need to use a digital tuner or digital converter box to pick up WTOV9's off-air digital signal.

Two satellite providers are also not ready for the switch. Both Dish Network and Direct TV said, though satellite service is in 94 percent of the country, they do not have enough broadband to put WTOV9 on its system.

WTOV9 had a written contract with the two companies to put the station on their system, but the companies have not yet done so.

Because of that, Dish Network and Direct TV customers will also need a digital converter box or have a digital tuner in their televisions in order to receive WTOV9's digital signal.