STILL NEED HELP WITH THE SWITCH TO DIGITAL TELEVISION?The Federal Communications Commission has required that all TV stations, like Local 12, to make the switch to digital. You'll need either a digital TV, satellite or cable hookout, or a converter box to see programming on Local 12.
Experts say the conversion to DTV will free parts of the broadcast spectrum for other services, such as police, fire and emergency rescue services and advanced wireless services, and also offer higher quality pictures and audio.
For questions or concerns, contact 513-763-5656 or 1-888-CALL-FCC.And if you have more questions, click "Add Comment". We'll make sure someone gets back to you with an answer.
Here are some things you can check or do (Short FAQ List):Why can’t I see my television programs right now?
Federal law required all full-power television stations to switch to all-digital broadcasting by June 12, 2009. This will free up the airwaves for police, fire and emergency rescue communications systems.
Am I a 55 years or older and I need assistance?
For assistance in obtaining coupons and converter box set up please call
- Council On Aging 513-345-8643
- www.help4seniors.org
I do not have a newer digital ready TV or converter box what can I do now?
You will need to connect your older TV to a digital converter box available at most electronic consumer stores at a cost of around $40-$70.00. To help you pay for the boxes, the US government is offering two $40.00 coupons per household.
Can I subscribe to a cable service to receive digital HD TV?
Yes Time Warner, Insight, DirecTV and Dishnet offer our HD digital channel via their locals HD line up. Contact their local sales office for further information on services.
I have a converter box, but I’m not getting any television reception or have lost some channels I was receiving before. What happened?
Try re-scanning your converter box. Some television stations switched channels since you first set up and scanned, you should re-scan your converter box from time to tome to make sure you’re getting all the digital TV signals out there. You may also need to adjust your antenna or even get a new VHF/UHF antenna to improve quality reception. The following web sit is a great resource to help the viewer with antenna selection.
· www.antennaweb.org
· www.webantenna.org
How to perform a simple converter box channel re-scan…….
1. with the TV and converter box powered on have the viewer grab the converter box remote control, find the MENU button and press it.
2. on the TV screen they should see the menu and look for an AUTO SCAN option.
3. have them select it using the arrow buttons on their remote control and press the SELECT or ENTER button.
4. the process should now go through and automatically find all the available digital channels and store them in their receiver.
5. should this not work have them try repositioning their antenna or refer them to the antenna sites in the previous section.
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.
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 questions or concerns, contact 513-763-5656 or 1-888-CALL-FCC.
