Libby Video Club finishes updates, plans for more

The Libby Video Club recently finished an equipment upgrade for its customers and is planning another for next year.

"If you watch over-the-air TV in Libby, we hope you are enjoying having KPAX on again. It took a lot of hard work, many volunteer hours, an engineer’s help and $17,347.44 for the equipment and shipping alone,"  Video Club Secretary Terry Peck said. "Many thanks to the MontanaSky’s IT folks, Charlie, Randy, Todd and Jim for their diligence in making this happen, and to our faithful financial supporters; it wouldn’t have happened without them all. Thank you!

Peck explained that equipment upgrades were necessary because KPAX changed its frequency from VHF and went to a UHF frequency.

"Therefore, we could not pick up their signal over the air with our antennas," Peck said. "That is why we have to pick them up via streaming through the internet and the reason we had to upgrade our transmitter. We knew this was coming and finally we can say, “Out with the old and in with the new!” and KPAX is back up and running. Since we knew this was coming, we have been saving up for it and thanks to you, our financial supporters, we reached our goal."

Peck said another upgrade is necessary because KCFW (the ‘9’ channels) will be doing the same thing by next August. The amount needed is at least $18,454.40 for the equipment and engineer’s expertise to configure the new equipment and install it. Peck said if the work isn't done, KCFW will be offline.

"We have purchased a new encoder/decoder to get KREM (and its subchannels) and KSKN (CW in Spokane and its subchannels) online via the internet. This has a been a struggle, not to mention $5,388.09 for the new equipment necessary to receive them," Peck said. "We have the equipment now and will get it done as soon as possible. As always, it depends on a lot of folks working together."

As a non-profit, the Video Club relies solely on its member donations. Peck said the club is often asked, “How much should I donate?” 

"Our suggested donation for the past several years has been $85 annually, but we appreciate all we receive," she said. "You can mail your support to Libby Video Club, PO Box 977, Libby MT, 59923 or you can make a deposit in Libby at First Montana Bank, Glacier Bank or Lincoln County Credit Union. 

Members can also pay online by visiting the club's website at www.libbyvideoclub.com. Comments may be made or folks can send an email. 

"As always, with these changes taking place remember to re-scan your TV and we thank you for your patience and support," Peck said.