Former WBTW chief engineer shuts down transmitter he turned on in 1954
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Bernie Moore discusses DTV switch
The big switch is here. On Friday television stations across the country including News13, turn off their analog transmitters and switch to digital transmission. Among other things, the switch should...
WBTW Staff Photo
Retired WBTW Chief Engineer Bernie Moore, left, and WBTW Maintenance Engineer David Devincentis prepare to shut off the News 13 analog signal Friday night..
MYRTLE BEACH—Retired WBTW Chief Engineer Bernie Moore – who turned on the WBTW analog transmitter in 1954 – switched it off last night when the station transitioned to all-digital.
WBTW News 13 went to digital Friday, June 12, at 11:59pm.
Bernie Moore said, “The week before we signed on in 1954, we broadcast a test pattern all day. Hundreds and hundreds of people stayed home just to watch it.”
Bernie – who retired from WBTW in 1991 – said the only event to rival the move to digital TV was the change from black and white to color.
“All the problems you have with this you had with color. It’s a process you have to work through.”
WBTW General Manager Michael Caplan said, “We were honored to have Bernie return and guide us through the final steps of this historic transition.”
WBTW News 13 is the CBS affiliate serving the Myrtle Beach – Florence market. WBTW is owned by Media General, Inc. with headquarters in Richmond, Virginia.
Reader Reactions
I am starting to think the digital switch should have started with a b rather than an s. Even so, I we are finally through with the, It’s coming commercials.“ Unless the signal strength is improved by all stations over the air reception will require a fairly good antenna unless you are real close to the tower. Florence isn’t close enough to get reliable signal without one and that shouldn’t be the case. Even ETV signal stinks and they are just out of Florence.
new digital tv - new antennae - properly scanned and receiving all other available channels
NO wbtw, tv 13
location: west palmetto street & ebenezer road
i’am glad it’s done and over with cause all u could here about was the switch.
Lisa - that’s just a show about crab fishermen. Don’t get excited!!
I’m picking up stations in Alaska! What did he do to my telemavision?
cannot receive channel 13 on new digital TV - during test period it work
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