WTCI has re-organized the digital channels to better serve our viewers and to prepare for the analog shut-off. Last month, WTCI increased the hours of kids programming on the main analog and digital simulcast channel and dropped the WTCI Kids channel on 45.2. Starting today, the channels have been re-aligned to get ready for the analog shut-off in February 2009.

The Arts and Drama channel which was 45.4 has been moved to 45.1 and re-named WTCI HD. This is actually the high definition (HD) loop that PBS is providing until they can fully program a 24 hour schedule in HD mirroring the national program feeds starting in December. During the day it is converted to standard definition (SD) so it can be paired with two additional SD channels from 1 AM to 7 PM. During the evenings, it will be shown in HD and paired with an additional SD channel.

The digital simulcast of WTCI's analog channel has been moved from 45.1 to 45.2 where it will be available 24 hours a day and labeled as WTCI DT. This will allow DirecTV, DISH, and local cable providers to substitute the digital copy of the analog signal in their channel line-up to deliver an improved signal to the viewer.

WTCI Create will remain at 45.3 and still be available from 1 AM to 7 PM.

The last channel, 45.4, remains open and may be used for occassional programming in the future.