WHAT'S INSIDE Everything you need to know about the changes coming to AFN For the latest updates go to myafn.net/afnhd OLD DECODER Will my decoder still work? NEW Decoder with DVR. FAQ'S Get the answers.
Changes Are Coming to AFN The American Forces Network (AFN) is improving services by transitioning our broadcast signal to a digital format, allowing us to deliver high-definition (HD) television. These changes will provide viewers with a much more dynamic experience including sharper and crisper detail. A new decoder will be made available with features unavailable in the current models. All AFN channels will be broadcast in HD. However, it s important to keep in mind that HD may not be available in all areas. For example, if you watch AFN on base, some base infrastructures will not be able to distribute the HD signal under their current configuration. AFN is in contact with installation contracting offices with cable franchise agreements, the Exchanges and the units operating cable systems regarding the signal improvements and what steps are required to deliver HD or avoid service disruptions. Col. David W. Honchul, Director, American Forces Radio and Television Service (AFRTS) To watch the video, visit myafn.net/afnhd For our Direct-to-Sailor audience, ships currently receiving AFN will see no interruption in services. While the new signal is not true HD, it will be vastly improved. AFN viewers who use our Direct-to-Home service (receive AFN through a satellite dish and decoder) will now have the ability to upgrade to a new decoder with many more features and functionality. If you own a Cisco 9865, your decoder will continue to work after the transition. If you own any other model decoder besides Cisco 9865, your decoder will not work after the transition. We do expect the cost of the new decoder to be considerably less than that of previously marketed models with advanced features such as a DVR and an interactive programming guide. Thank you for your patience through this process. AFN is here to help 24/7 if you have questions or concerns. As always, thank you for your service to our country and for watching the American Forces Network. AFN Improving Services 2
Let's Talk About Decoders To watch the video, visit myafn.net/afnhd AFN will transition its broadcast signal from analog Standard Definition to digital High Definition. AFN viewers who have analog decoders will have to purchase or lease a digital decoder in order to continue watching AFN.
If you own a CISCO 9865 decoder, it will continue to work. However, there are setting changes you will need to make in order to receive AFN in HD. Cisco 9865 decoder change setting information will become available as we get closer to the transition to HD. Please continue to check myafn.net/afnhd - subscribe to receive e-mail updates. AFN Improving Services 4
Introducing AFN7500HD Record Two Channels & Watch a Third - The First AFN Direct-to-Home Decoder with DVR Function The AFN7500HD delivers on form and function. Watch HD video and audio programming live or recorded. An intuitive on-screen interface and electronic program guide allows easy control of channels and features. Don't miss your favorite shows. Single or multi-event scheduled recording is just a click away. The flexible DVR (Digital Video Recorder) service, with internal hard drive, is capable of recording two background programs while recording another channel being viewed. Want to replay a portion of video on a live channel? Rewind any currently watched channel for up to three hours. Where can I purchase the new AFN7500HD decoder? AFN 7500HD decoders available 2017 at Exchanges and GSA Advantage. Graphically Rich Interface with Infobar: Enjoy a high-end user experience that is beautiful, intuitive, yet simple to operate. DVR Watch-and-Record for Triple Recording SD and HD MPEG-2 and MPEG-4 AVC Decoding Dual DVB-S/S2 Satellite Tuner Composite, HDMI, S/PDIF, USB, Ethernet, and L-Band Favorite Channel and Parental Control Support
Tentative Dates for the 2017 AFN Signal Transition We are here to help you, 24/7 Our AFN Helpdesk Technologists are available around the clock to assist you with technical questions or reception issues. If you live on a military installation and are having television reception issues, please contact the entity operating the cable system on your installation for assistance. For the latest information, tentative dates, decoder settings and new decoder availability, visit myafn.net/afnhd
Frequently Asked Questions Why is AFN delivering its television services in a new format and fielding a new decoder? AFN is transitioning its transmission scheme from analog Standard Definition to High Definition (HD). The new system (MPEG-4/DVB-S2) allows AFN to deliver all eight channels on the Direct-to-Home (DTH) and Satellite Network (SATNET) service in HD and improves the video quality for our audience members receiving the Direct to Sailor (DTS) service. The new decoder will have an internal digital video recorder, userfriendly program guide and features the ability to pause and rewind the live TV stream. When will the conversion to the new system happen? We anticipate the conversion will happen later this year. We will start with the DTS service in the Pacific followed by DTS Atlantic and Indian Ocean regions. After the DTS service transition is complete, we will convert the DTH and SATNET satellite services starting with Europe and ending in the Pacific. We will release the transition dates as soon as possible. I don t have my own AFN decoder. I get AFN TV services via on base-cable. How do these changes impact me? It is important to understand that HD may not be available in all areas. Some base cable infrastructures may not be capable of distributing HD in their current configuration. AFN is in contact with installation contracting offices with cable franchise agreements, the Exchanges and units operating cable systems regarding the signal improvements and what steps are required to deliver HD or avoid service disruptions. Who is authorized to buy or rent an AFN decoder? Only members of the authorized audience can purchase the next-generation AFN decoder. Authorized viewers include active duty military and DoD Civilians assigned/deployed overseas; direct-hire Department of Defense employees serving overseas; military retirees living overseas; and, the family members accompanying these personnel overseas. Must I buy or rent a new decoder to continue to get AFN? If you have a Cisco 9865 decoder you do not need to immediately get a new decoder since it is capable of receiving the HD signal. The 9865 will continue to function after the transition, but will not be able to use the enhanced features the new decoder will provide.
How much will the new decoder cost? The Exchanges have not set the final price but it's on track to be significantly less than previous decoder models and with more capability. When and where will I be able to buy or rent a new AFN decoder? The military Exchanges will have decoders available in their overseas stores and their online retail sites later this summer. When AFN fields the new service, will I have to move my satellite dish or make changes in the decoder settings? You do not need to move your satellite dish. There may be a few changes you need to make with your 9865 decoder settings and the newer models will have instructions on setting up the new decoder. AFN will broadcast informational spots on the required settings in advance of the change. This information will be posted on our website, myafn.net and on the AFN Broadcast Center Facebook page. What do I need to do if I have an existing AFN decoder other than the Cisco 9865 model? We recommend waiting for the new decoder (when available) if you want to continue to receive AFN. AFN will hold making the switch to HD until we are confident that decoders are available for our authorized consumers. I m in the Navy and get AFN via Direct to Sailor when we re underway. How do the changes impact me? Conversion to the new satellite delivery system will mean the quality of your AFN TV services will dramatically improve. I serve at a U.S. Embassy/Consulate and get AFN via an in-house distribution system. How will the changes impact me? It varies from location to location. Changes impacting you will come through State Department communications. When I turn the power off on my current decoder I lose my AFN TV signal and get an on-screen message that I need to get a new authorization key for my decoder. Will going to the new AFN decoder fix this issue? Yes, it will. Where may I go if I have questions or require assistance? If you need immediate help setting up your decoder, contact our AFN Broadcast Center Technologists at DSN: (312) 348-1339, commercial: +1 (951) 413-2339 or email sathelpdma@mail.mil You may also go to the feedback tab on Myafn.net and submit your question. We ll get you an answer within two business days. AFN Improving Services 8
The American Forces Network (AFN) is a component aligned under the Defense Media Activity (DMA). AFN negotiates for, acquires, schedules, and broadcasts American radio and television programming for worldwide distribution on AFN, which is the primary means used to disseminate DoD internal communication information to the U.S. Armed Forces serving overseas (including those at sea) as well as to our DoD civilian and military family audiences. The primary goal of AFN is to deliver uninterrupted 24/7 media services that keep the AFN audience informed and in touch while improving morale and military readiness. In May of 1942, the War Department established the Armed Forces Radio Service (AFRS) to get information and entertainment to U.S. troops overseas. In October of 1953, the Secretary of Defense established the Armed Forces Television Activity and in 1954 it was renamed the Armed Forces Radio and Television Service (AFRTS). Over the next 60 years, AFRTS/AFN evolved to meet audience needs; added satellite distribution allowing for Direct-to-Home and Direct-to-Sailor capability, expanded radio and television services (8 TV channels and 10 radio services plus internet radio delivery), quick turn programming and HD sports. myafn.net/afnhd