CHICAGO (WBBM) - How did your old TV make it through the digital switch? Not so great? You've got company.
The nationwide switch to digital television was June 12th and television stations went to enormous lengths to try to make sure all went smoothly.
The Chicago Sun-Times reports that thousands of Chicago area viewers could not receive digital signals from CBS 2 WBBM-TV and ABC 7 WLS-TV.
According to the Sun-Times, the problems had to do with two outlets being assigned digital channels that had to be changed during the transition.
Most viewers were able to fix the problem by re-scanning their channels.
Channel 7 says some buildings are constructed of materials that may prevent the digital signal from penetrating. The position of the antenna can be another factor.
The Federal Communications Commission offers five steps to a double rescan for a converter box or digital TV:
1. Disconnect the antenna from the box or digital TV.
2. Rescan 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.
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Get Better Reception
Try these 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.
-- 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 to 12-18 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.
While adjusting your antenna, it may be helpful to access the “signal strength meter” on your digital-to-analog converter box or digital television to determine whether your adjustments are improving the signals’ strength. The signal strength meter is usually accessed through the menu feature on your remote control. Refer to the owner’s manual of your device for detailed instructions on how to access its signal strength meter. Remember to do another channel scan after you have adjusted your antenna.
Related Links:
DTV Reception Maps
Rescan Converter Box
More info at www.dtv.gov
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