Digital Transition Q&A

Dtv Fcc Still have Questions about the June 12 2009 Transition to DTV? WKRG's Chief Engineer has compiled a list of commonly asked questions and answers.

by WKRG Staff

Published: Thu, December 18, 2008 - 2:07 pm CST Last Updated: Mon, June 15, 2009 - 5:33 pm CST

On June 12th, WKRG, Mobile, Alabama, will cease analog broadcasts as required by the FCC. From June 12th to approximately June 26th, WKRG will operate with a temporary DTV facility while it constructs a permanent one. Some viewers on the fringes of our service area who now receive our analog programming over-the-air may be unable to receive our DTV programming until construction is complete. Cable or satellite subscribers should not lose reception. For more information, contact WKRG at 251-479-5555 or 555 Broadcast Drive, Mobile, AL 36606.

Get Free Help Making The DTV Switch click here

Question: Can I still receive a coupon to receive a free digital converter box?
Answer: Yes, visit www.DTV2009.gov on the Internet or call 1-888-388-2009.

Question: I have hooked up my converter box and I only get snow, what is wrong?
Answer: Make sure you have connected an antenna to the converter box. Make sure the output from the converter box is going to the antenna input of your TV set. And make sure the TV set is tuned to Channel 3. You can also use the audio/video output of the converter box if your set has A/V inputs. When connected properly you should see the welcome menu from the converter box.

Question: Why does my converter keep turning off?
Answer: The converter box has timer that is accessible through the menu settings. The choices are 1, 2, 4 hours or timer off. Turning the timer off will keep the converter box from turning off.

Question: Why can’t I receive your station?
Answer: There could be many reasons. Your location and how far you are from our Spanish Fort, AL transmitter site will determine your ability to receive our signal. If you are distant you will need to install an external antenna. If have one, make sure it is in good condition and pointed in the correct direction. This would be 6 miles east of Spanish Fort, AL. You must re-scan for channels after changing or moving the antenna. This goes for any antenna that you are using.

Question: Is something wrong with my antenna if the digital signal occasionally freezes and locks up?
Answer: No, a little of this from time to time is normal. Impulse noise and different kinds of interference can cause the picture to freeze or pixilize.

Question: How high will I have to place my digital antenna to clearly receive all signals?
Answer: Thirty feet or less. It is important to install the antenna with a clear shot. Avoid aiming through buildings or trees if possible.

Question: Will the current outside antenna I use for analog work on digital?
Answer: Most of the digital signals in our area are on UHF. If your outside antenna is a UFH or a combination VHF/UHF antenna it will work. If your antenna is VHF only it may not work.

Question: What channel is your digital signal on?
Answer: Channel 27. Your digital TV or converter box will convert this to read on your screen as 5.1, 5.2 and 5.3.

Question: Where is your transmitter located?
Answer: WKRG’s digital transmitter is located 6 miles East of Spanish Fort, AL.

Question: Sometimes the signal seems stronger than other times. Are digital signals affected by the weather or atmospheric conditions?
Answer: Yes, heavy rain can cause fading of the signal. Strong winds may also cause multipath, multipliable signals caused by the signals being reflected off of blowing trees or loose antenna mounting. Strong atmospheric conditions, usually in the spring and fall, can also cause reception problems.

Question: Will I be able to receive all of the local digital channels if I live more than 30 miles out of town?
Answer: Yes, and up to 60 or 70 miles with a good outside antenna.

Questions: Will connecting my DVD player and video game console affect my digital reception?
Answer: If you are using the RF modulator output of your video game you will have to add a selector switch so that you can switch between Game and Converter Box. If your TV set has A/V inputs, you can hook the converter box to the A/V inputs and continue to use the RF Output of the game to the TV tuner input.

Question: Can I use an inside antenna to receive your digital signal?
Answer: If you are located within 15 or 20 miles from our transmitter near Spanish Fort, AL., there is a good chance rabbit ears, or better yet, an amplified indoor antenna will work.

Question: How can I adjust my antenna for maximum signal on my digital conversion box?
Answer: Most of the converter boxes have a signal strength meter built in. The Insignia and the Zenith have a button on the remote and other brands locate it in the menu. Pushing the signal button will give you a horizontal bar. Adjust you antenna slowly for maximum signal level. Re-scan for digital channels after you have moved the antenna for the strongest signal.

Question: On the back of my TV set there are two screws and no connector to connect the cable from the converter box. How do I make the connection?
Answer: You need to purchase a 300 to 75 ohm balun. This small device is available at Radio Shack and many hardware stores for a couple of dollars.

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carl Says:

Wed, Jul 29, 2009 at 5:44 pm

Cougar01 If you have a digital Tv it shouldn’t take much to recieve 5.1,5.2,5.3 WKRG.I have a VHF/UHF antenna about 15 feet in the air and I’m in a low spot,so I put a antenna pre-amp below the antenna,which I got from RADIO SHACK and I get 21 channels of over the air digital broadcasts.I like the 5.3 channel(RTN I believe)and a few others up further in the band.You could put an antenna in your attic if you had room and wouldn’t have to worry about losing it to bad weather.

cougar01 Says:

Tue, Jul 28, 2009 at 9:27 pm

What are the ways that I can receive the DT 5.3 channels? Do I hae to get an outside Antenna that is UHF in nature and set it up at least thirty feetin the air.

Can you advise me on what i need to do. I have DTV but would like to receive the 5.1,5.2,5.3 channels that you transmit all the shows on like The Hardy Boys, plus other old shows.

Thanks you for your Assistance.

Jim

carl Says:

Sat, Jun 13, 2009 at 2:35 pm

Anyboby wanna buy VCRs cheap? Ought to be a lot of them out there right now unless you’re recording off of satellite.Wonder why the satellite providers weren’t required to broadcast all digital transmissions?

Bikermike Says:

Sat, Jun 13, 2009 at 2:25 pm

I guess this will give the cable companies an excuse to raise the cost of their service again,you can no longer use your weather TV unless it is set up for the new digital signal so if you want one that works off of battery power you will have to shell out a hundred bucks or more for a portable digital TV and the battery life is about 4 hours or so.guess it will be radio unless you have a generator,I thought new technology was supposed to make life simple instead of more expensive.

chaz Says:

Sat, Feb 28, 2009 at 6:57 pm

I can’t receive the two WKRG digital channels WKRG DT (5.1) and WKRG SD (5.2). I receive every other over-the-air channel in the area including analog WKRG channel 5. I am using a SONY DHG-HDD250 DVR with analog and digital tuners. What is causing this problem and how do I fix it?

butterflykisser101 Says:

Tue, Jan 13, 2009 at 11:28 am

90 days that’s 3 months…...............

forgiv_n Says:

Tue, Jan 13, 2009 at 9:41 am

they tell you about your regular tv but they don’t mention anything about your weather tv. will we need a digital converter for our weather tvs we use during hurricanes? will they be affected? does anyone know?

dougstech Says:

Fri, Dec 19, 2008 at 9:32 pm

I agree, kaykay. Mine expired quickly after I got them, and they wont let me get new ones!

kaykay Says:

Fri, Dec 19, 2008 at 9:11 am

i dont understand why if these coupons have expiration dates on them why cant new ones be reissued. mine expired because of the economy and they will not reissue them