I have problems receiving WKRG on High-Def channel 5-1. WKRG is the only station with which I am having problems. To watch CBS I tune to channel 5 instead of 5-1, so after Feb next year will I be able to receive WKRG? Will the current channel 5 go away and only 5-1 remain?

JimmyG,
this is the response from our Chief Engineer

This a very broad questions with many possible answers. My best guess would be the antenna. Depending on your location, you don’t want a large, high gain antenna if you live near the transmitting site, Spanish Fort, AL, in WKRG’s case. If you live 20 or 30 miles from the site you may need a little more antenna gain, a larger antenna. I will need your location and antenna type before I make any further suggestions. WKRG-DT has one of the strongest signals in the area and can overload your receiver with to much signal if your using to much antenna. Yes, channel 5 will go away in Feb. 2009. Regards,

I live about 20 to 25 miles east of Spanish Fort. I am using a standard UHF / VHF antenna with a range of about 75 to 100 miles. I bought the antenna about 5 years ago and really don't remember the range.

I am using a DirectTV HD controler, I have turned the antenna so that channel 5-1 has a siginal strength between 70 to 80%. I get a break in the signial and a message saying searching for off-air signial. I get the same error message when I have the antenna turned to receive a 100% signial.

Here is a map to where the WKRG tower site is. If you have a beam, this is where the antenna should be pointed towards.

NOTE: Most beams are in the shape of arrows, the arrow shaped antennas should be pointed AWAY from the tower, and the shortest antenna element pointed toward the tower.

http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode;=&q=30°+41′+20.5″+N,+87°+49′+50.8″+W&ie=UTF8&t=h&ll=30.644411,-87.803421&spn=0.417661,0.601501&z=11&iwloc=addr

Although I have DirecTV, and cable, I also have a beam antenna pointed towards the tower. By pointing your antenna to the exact position listed above, you will get the best possible signal.