AFN Misawa to convert to digital signal Published June 21, 2011 By 35th Fighter Wing Public Affairs MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan -- Japan is converting its television signal to digital-only and will stop broadcasting over-the-air analog signals beginning July 24. As such, the television signal at Misawa Air Base will undergo the same change. Effective July 1, the Defense Media Activity-Pacific, in coordination with Japanese telecommunication authorities and the 35th Fighter Wing, has authorized the termination of analog broadcasts on channel 66. Channel 66 is the over-the-air channel through which off-base viewers without satellite decoders receive AFN-Pacific. Off-base viewers who wish to continue to receive AFN programming will need to get an AFN satellite decoder. With a decoder, viewers will receive the full range of AFN programming, to include multiple TV and radio channels. Active-duty military members may contact the Furnishings Management Office to obtain a satellite decoder free of charge. All others should contact The Exchange for information on the purchase or lease of a decoder. On-base viewers will see no changes in programming, as Allied Telesis has converted the free Japanese channels to a digital signal. This signal will continue to be broadcast digitally through existing Allied Telesis equipment.