DTV RECEPTION PROBLEMS?

Posted: 1:24 PM Jun 22, 2009

Try “double rescanning”; Double-check and relocate your antenna

WASHINGTON, D.C – Consumers having difficulty receiving certain television channels following the June 12 transition to digital TV should try these two tips for better reception: “double rescanning”, and double-checking and relocating their antennas. Meanwhile, local broadcasters are working to resolve those issues that originate with their signal.

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Double Rescanning

Many consumers already know about the need to run the “scan” function on their digital converter boxes or digital TV sets periodically following the June 12 digital TV transition. Scanning searches for and “remembers” the available digital broadcast channels.

But in some cases where stations moved their digital frequencies on June 12, simple scanning may not be enough. There is a procedure – sometimes called “double re-scanning” – that can clear your box’s memory of saved channels. These earlier scans may have saved channel information that is now incorrect.

There are five simple steps to a double re-scan for a converter box or digital TV, which are as follows:

1. Disconnect the antenna from the box or digital TV

2. Re-scan the box or digital TV without the antenna connected. As with any scan follow the on-screen instructions or owner’s manual for your device

3. Unplug the box or digital TV from the electrical outlet for at least one minute

4. Reconnect the antenna to the box or digital TV and plug the unit into the electrical outlet.

5. Rescan the box or digital TV one more time.

Double Check & Relocate Your Antenna

You must have a “VHF/UHF antenna. “Rabbit ears,” rods, or other elements are needed to pick up channels 2-13 (VHF), and a circle, bow-tie, or other element is needed to pick up channels 14-51 (UHF). Some antennas marketed as HDTV antennas don’t perform well on VHF channels; some antennas are VHF or UHF-only.

For the best reception of channels 2-6, extend the rods all the way out. For the best reception of channels 7-13, reduce the length of the rods to12-18 inches.

Location, Location, Location

The location of an indoor antenna is key. And one of the most popular spots for indoor antennas – on top of the TV – may not be the best. Consumers having trouble with digital TV reception should try moving their antennas to one of these locations:

•Near a window

•As high as possible

•Away from other electronic equipment, including computers, VCRs, DVD players, converter boxes, and the television itself

•Change the direction the antenna is facing

•Rooftop antennas may be needed in some instances

Consumers may need to run the “scan” function again on their converter boxes after moving the antenna

For more information about antennas and rescanning, visit www.DTV.gov. See the “Install a Converter Box” link for scanning tips.” See the pages on Fixing Reception Problems and Troubleshooting Guide for antenna questions. Instructions posted on the DTV Reception Maps page show how to use the maps to choose an antenna. Also, see the DTV Made Easy Guide.

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February 17th, 2009, the era of analog broadcast television ended in the United States. While the change marked the end of the traditional analog method of broadcasting over-the-air television, it hasn’t signaled the end of free broadcast television. Your favorite broadcast programs and local television stations will still be available.

Consumers that subscribe to a "pay" television service such as cable and satellite have not been affected by the switch, but if you received analog television over the air or via an antenna, you’ll need to take action to continue watching your favorite stations, if you have yet to do so already.

TV sets that currently receive programming through cable or satellite are not likely to be affected by the transition to digital.

However, TV sets that rely on "over the air" broadcasting with an antenna (set-top or rooftop) to receive a signal will be affected by the cutoff of analog broadcasts in 2009. You will need to consider one of the following options:

Purchase a digital-to-analog converter box that plugs into an existing television. The boxes, which are expected to cost between $50 - 70 will be available for purchase in 2008. Beginning on January 1, 2008, U.S. households can request up to two coupons valued at $40 each. Each coupon can go toward the purchase of a single set-top converter box that will allow you to continue watching FREE "over-the-air" television on an analog set.
Subscribe to a cable, satellite or telecommunications service provider if all desired local broadcast stations are carried by that service.
Purchase a new television set with a built in digital tuner.

Any of these steps will ensure that "over-the-air" television consumers will continue to receive programming.