The digital conversion has come and gone... or has it?
2NEWS and kjrh.com continue to hear from the public about issues pertaining to the conversion, with the emphasis on losing channels that were accessible previous to the June 12 switch.
The conversion is ongoing, and some people continue to have issues getting all the channels.
The FCC has logged more than 900,000 calls on its 24-hour hotline (1-888-CALL-FCC), and the agency says that the calls tend to center around three issues:
- Setting up digital converter boxes
- Reception on a particular channel
- General reception issues
With that in mind, kjrh.com wants to offer the following information in hopes that we can help clear up some of the confusion... and some people's tv reception.
What on earth is 'double rescanning?'
One of the main problems people have in rescanning after the conversion is that many television stations have changed the frequencies on which they broadcast.
However, with some converter boxes and digital tv's, the device will remember the old location of a channel's frequency and won't really check for a new one.
The solution: "Double rescanning." (See attached document above for detailed information).
The FCC lists 5 simple steps to double rescan:
- Disconnect the antenna from the box or digital TV
- 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
- Unplug the box or digital TV from the electrical outlet for at least one minute
- Reconnect the antenna to the box or digital TV and plug the unit into the electrical outlet.
- Rescan the box or digital TV one more time.
Antennas: Fact and fiction
If a scan, or even a "double rescan," doesn't solve reception issues, then the next likely suspect is the antenna.
Be sure to have an antenna that is capable of receiving both UHF and VHF signals. The FCC says many so-called "HDTV antennas" do a poor job of receiving VHF signals.
Placement of an antenna is also critical. If inside, get the antenna as high as possible, perhaps by using a bookshelf or hutch. Try to place it near a window. Also, try
not to place it on the television, or near any other electronic devices such as computers, dvd players, or converter boxes.
Some indoor antennas are actually directional -- which is to say, they must be aimed.
Use this map to determine how best to aim your antenna.
That same map can help you if you have a rooftop or attic antenna. Again, it's vital that the antenna be able to pick up both VHF and UHF signals. After that, aiming the antenna properly can make a big difference.
More general tips
If you've read this far and haven't found an answer, then it may be time to get more help.
Happily, the FCC has contracted with several companies to help provide support to people struggling with the DTV conversion in Oklahoma.
Here's the contact information:
Deployment Essentials LLC Free In-home Assistance
918-272-9409
Within 75 miles of Tulsa, Ok
Installs Inc. Free In-home Assistance
800-582-4250
AR, LA, NM, OK PR, TX
R & D Training & Technical & Service, Inc. Free In-home Assistance
866-202-4596
Of course, 2NEWS continues to provide support as much as possible, you can email
dtvanswers@kjrh.com with your questions.
