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.
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.
DTV RECEPTION PROBLEMS?
Try “double rescanning” 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.
-FCCResources
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Expired Coupons Get 2nd Chance
Press Release: Commerce’s TV Converter Box Coupon Program Now Accepting Requests to Replace Expired Coupons to Assist More Americans with Transition to Digital TV
Program’s Waiting List for Coupons Cleared as a Result of Funding Authorized by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act
For Immediate Release: March 24, 2009 Contact: Bart Forbes, (202) 482-7002 or
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WASHINGTON – As the June 12 deadline for the nationwide conversion to digital TV approaches, the TV Converter Box Coupon Program has begun to accept replacement requests from eligible households whose coupons expired without being redeemed. Meanwhile, money allocated to the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act has allowed NTIA to clear the digital converter box coupon waiting list.
"This is very good news for Americans who were unable to redeem their coupons before they expired," Acting NTIA Administrator Anna Gomez said. "With the backlog of applications now eliminated, consumers can apply for coupons and get assistance right away, allowing them to continue to receive important local television news and emergency information by purchasing a converter box at a reduced cost.”
What Is The DTV Delay Act? Congress recently passed the DTV Delay Act, which extends the deadline for full-power broadcast TV stations to complete the DTV transition from February 17, 2009, to June 12, 2009. The new law allows more time for consumers to be prepared for the DTV transition. However, Congress did not require stations to continue broadcasting in analog after February 17th, and stations may choose to complete their transition, and stop broadcasting in analog, before June 12th.
Focus is Reaching Seniors, People with Disabilities and Spanish-speaking households in Areas with Highest Over the Air Populations
Washington, DC – The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) today announced it has selected 12 grassroots organizations and local agencies to help over the air viewers prepare for the digital transition. Today's selections are worth up to $8.4 million and are the culmination of a full and open procurement process.
PinTech Corporation is a private corporation that will offer consumer assistance to seniors, low income, disabled and non-English speaking and minority communities in a four-state region, Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina. This company will work with volunteers from state and local service organizations to assist consumers with information about the DTV conversion. In addition, this company will also provide a telephone DTV help center in each state to help citizens install their DTV converter boxes and will dispatch technicians to make on-site visits to assist customers whose problems cannot be solved over the phone.
