NAB has launched a new online database that allows consumers to determine whether they receive programming from low-power television (LPTV) stations, which are not required to go exclusively digital next February.

The new online database is featured on a special Web site, www.LPTVAnswers.com, which NAB launched last spring to provide a comprehensive overview of the low-power issue and its impact on consumers.

While federal law mandates that all full-power stations must transition to digital television (DTV) on February 17, 2009, LPTV stations are excluded from this requirement. With this easily navigable resource, consumers can enter a zip code and get a list of LPTV stations that may be viewable in their areas – stations which may or may not go digital in February 2009.

Viewers who want to continue watching low-power stations after the transition must take special action. Their options include purchasing a converter box with the analog pass-through feature, a TV set with both a digital and analog tuner, or an antenna “splitter” device that connects to a converter box and TV set.