Frequently Asked Questions

Digital TV uses the language of computers to send more information to you, the viewer, than is possible with current television signals. Digital technology will bring many new benefits. Broadcasters can use the additional capacity for delivery of information to deliver dramatically better audio and video quality for entertainment and educational programs. The signal can be split to provide up to four (perhaps even more in the future) separate programs simultaneously, all at very good levels of quality. This is called multicasting. Or, they can add text and graphical images to the audio and video signal making your digital TV work like a computer at the same time. This is called datacasting. Delta College Digital QTV plans to bring you each of these benefits.

Why is Delta College Quality Public Television converting to digital?

The new technology will enable Delta College to continue its leadership as a learning centered institution that focuses on the diverse post-secondary learning needs of the community. With digital technology, Delta College will offer the community a wide array of entertainment and educational programs and choices. This will create great potential for new ways of delivering instruction to every segment of our community. For example:

• Delta College students in electronic media classes will learn with state-of-the-art technology that will prepare them for professional careers or further study.
• Off-campus students will benefit through more capabilities for distance learning in many courses of study.
• Elementary and Secondary students will benefit through greater access by their teachers to curriculum guides, resources, and programming for classroom use.
• Employers in our service area and thir employees will benefit from more on-site or in-home training programs through the Delta College Learning Channel.
• Families will benefit from more choices in quality programming through the Delta College Children's Channel, Enrichment Channel, and Today's PBS Channel.

What would happen if Delta College Quality Public Television did not convert to Digital TV?

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has mandated that commercial stations must have digital broadcast capabilities by May 2002 and that public stations, like Delta College QTV, must broadcast digitally by May 2003. If QTV does not comply with the mandate, Delta College will lose the license to broadcast that it won in 1964.

Have other means of raising the funds been pursued?

Yes, prior to the decision to launch the capital campaign, Delta College QTV aggressively pursued other sources of funds for the remaining needs. Over the lprevious five years QTV has attempted to negotiate collaborative agreements with other broadcasters in the region. Also, a statewide alliance of public broadcasters requested funds form the State of Michigan but was unsuccessful. Having exhausted all other options, plans were developed for a community capital campaign to meet the remaining need.

Who planned and is overseeing the campaign?

The Delta College Foundation exists to encourage the private philanthropic support of individuals, foundations, and corporations for the mission of Delta College. At this time, the digital TV conversion project is the highest lpriority of Dr. Peter Boyse, and the Trustees of Delta College. After conducting a special study of the fundraising potential of this project, the Foundation has enthusiastically accepted the challenge of sponsoring the A Quality Future: Delta College Digital QTV Capital Campaign.

What are the costs and sources of funds for the conversion to digital technology?

The total cost of the conversion $8,525,000. Delta College QTV has already secured $3,525,000 from available sources. The remaining need must be sought from the community through the A Quality Future: Delta College Digital QTV Capital Campaign. The following chart summarizes this information:

Transmission Equipment & Facilities		$5,300,000
Local Production Equipment & Facilities		$ 600,000
Academic Equipment & Facilities		$ 250,000
Program Start-up & Implementation		$2,000,000
	TOTAL CAPITAL NEEDS:	$8,525,000
Q-TV cash reserves		$ 325,000
Delta College – General / Technology Fund		$ 300,000
Delta College – Renovation 2 Project		$ 600,000
U.S. Department of Commerce NTIA/PTFP grant		$2,300,000
	TOTAL AVAILABLE FUNDS:	$5,000,000
	AMOUNT NEEDED FROM THE COMMUNITY:	5,000,000

Who will be asked to contibute to the A Quality Future: Delta College Digital QTV Campaign?

Thoughtful and proportionate gifts from friends and supporters of Delta college QTV will be necessary to make the campaign a success. From the Delta College Trustees and Folundation Directors, faculty and staff, to corporations, foundations, community residents and viewers, this campaign will only be successful if everyone participates.

Will QTV viewers be asked to give their annual membership gifts, as well as pledges to the campaign?

Yes. Annual membership donations to Delta College QTV are vitally important to maintain the quality and financial solvency of its current programming and operations. We hope that QTV viewers and members will continue their generous annual support while making an exceptional effort to support the Capital Campaign.

How can I make a gift to the Campaign?

We suggest that you consider making a multi-year pledge to the campaign. This may enable you to consider a larger gift investment for one of the named gift opportunities. Your pledge can be paid over a period of up to three years. In order to attain a campaign goal of this magnitude, gifts from one's assets as well as current income are needed. Your pledge can be fulfilled in a variety of ways. Details are provided on the "How can I help?" page.

Are opportunities for named or memorial gifts available?

All gifts to the A Quality Future: Delta College Digital QTV Campaign are appreciated and will be appropriately and publicly recognized. There are many named gift opportunities available in the campaign. A number of internal areas in and around the Delta College Broadcasting Center, as well as on-air opportunities, have been specifically identified. A separate list describing these opportunities is available. You may wish to give in your name or create a gift in memory or honor of another person or family member.

Is it possible to have my gift matched?

Yes. If you work for company with a matching gift program, your gift to the A Quality Future: Delta College Digital QTV Campaign may be eligible for a matching gift from the company. Check with your company to see if it operates such a program.

Where can I obtain additional information about digital TV and the Capital Campaign?

Please contact Delta College Quality Public Television at 989.686.9466, or the Delta College Foundation office at 989.686.9225, with any questions you may have about digital TV and the Capital Campaign.