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DTV Questions and Comments
Submitted by WWAY on 10 September 2008 - 4:49pm.
Filed in:
Now that the digital switch is over, we want to know how it went for you. We want your comments and experiences. Please use the comment option below to let us know how it went. DTV FAQ's
Digital television (DTV) is a new type of broadcasting technology that is transforming television as we know it. By transmitting information as "data bits" (like a computer) to create a TV set's picture and sound, a digital broadcaster can carry far more information than what analog broadcast technology currently allows. The difference between analog and digital broadcasting is similar to that between compact discs and cassette tapes. Digital TV offers a better viewing experience with vastly improved picture and sound quality. DTV is also more efficient than analog TV technology, so broadcasters will be able to produce additional channels of programming using digital broadcasting technology.
Analog television service is the traditional method of transmitting TV signals and has been the standard broadcast technology since the inception of television. Analog television service isn't as efficient as DTV. It uses up much more valuable spectrum that—once the DTV transition is completed—will be used for other purposes. Remaining spectrum will be auctioned off for the production of new services.
Every TV set made before 1998 was a traditional "analog" television. If you bought a big-screen, projection TV between 1998 and 2004, there is a chance it has a built-in digital tuner inside. Before 2004, only a limited percentage of projection TV sets (generally sets that are 42 inches in diameter or larger) included digital tuners. If you bought a new TV set since 2004, there is a high likelihood that it has a built-in digital tuner.
An important benefit of the switch to all-digital broadcasting is that it will free up parts of the valuable broadcast spectrum for other services. Also, some of the spectrum will be auctioned to companies, so they can provide consumers with more advanced wireless services, such as wireless broadband. Consumers also benefit, because digital broadcasting allows stations to offer improved picture and sound quality. Digital is much more efficient than analog. For example, rather than being limited to providing one analog program, a broadcaster is able to offer a super-sharp "high definition" (HD) digital program or multiple "standard definition" (SD) digital programs simultaneously through a process called "multicasting."
Using the same amount of spectrum required for one analog program, multicasting allows broadcast stations to offer several channels of digital programming at the same time. For example, a station broadcasting in analog on channel 7 is only able to offer viewers one program. However, a station broadcasting in digital on channel 7 can offer viewers a digital program on channel 7-1, a second digital program on channel 7-2, a third digital program on channel 7-3, and so on. This means viewers get more programming choices.
Yes. A digital-to-analog converter box will allow you to continue using your existing analog TV set to watch over-the-air digital programming. If your analog set is hooked up to a subscription service, such as cable or satellite TV, it should continue to function as before. Analog sets should also continue working with gaming consoles, VCRs, DVD players and similar products that you use now.
Depending on your TV, converter boxes plug into either the back or front of the set. You will still need an antenna, which works with the TV converter box. Each TV converter box comes with installation instructions from the manufacturer.
No, you should be able to install the converter box yourself using the instructions provided by the manufacturer. For specific questions, call the manufacturer's technical support hotline or ask your local retailer.
No, the brand of converter box can be different from that of your TV set.
No, you will need one digital-to-analog converter box for each TV set or other device (such as a VCR) that only has an analog tuner.
Yes. Coupon-eligible converter box manufacturers are required to provide closed captioning for display on your television, but the features provided vary by box. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has produced a guide that lists selected features, including closed captioning, for a number of converter boxes. The guide is updated periodically as new converter boxes become available.
Simply put, your converter box may be having trouble determining the shape of the picture and how to best display it on your existing TV set. Traditional analog TV sets have a square-shaped screen, and some digital programming is still being produced in this shape, which should fill the screen on your TV. However, many digital programs are now produced with widescreen pictures intended for viewing on digital TV sets with wider screens. It is due to these differences in picture shape that creates bars around your picture. You can remove or reduce the size of the bars by using a button on the converter box remote control that changes the way a picture is displayed. Find the button marked "zoom" or "aspect ratio," and keep pressing it until the picture looks right. You may need to change the setting for different programs. Please note that widescreen programs are meant to have bars on the top and bottom when viewed on a square-shaped screen, but no programs should have bars all the way around the picture.
Yes, you will still need an antenna to continue watching free, over-the-air television after the digital transition. In general, the same type of antenna that gives you good quality analog TV signals now will also provide reliable DTV reception.
Antennas can be either indoor or outdoor. If you live in a home or apartment building, there may be an antenna on the roof or a master antenna distribution system to the building residents. If you subscribe to a cable or satellite service you will continue getting reception as usual. However, if you don't subscribe to a pay TV service, then you are actually using an antenna but may not know it.
Some television stations will be moving to a different channel in a different frequency band, which may require you to get another type of antenna from the one you use now. For example, some channels in the VHF band (Channels 2-13) may move to the UHF band (Channels 14-51) and vice versa. Receiving VHF and UHF signals require different types of antenna elements. Many antennas are designed as combo units and will receive both VHF and UHF signals.
The Very High Frequency (VHF) band is the segment of the television broadcast band covering channels 2 through 13. The Ultra High Frequency (UHF) band is the segment of the television broadcast band covering channels 14 through 69.
Currently, the vast majority of TV stations broadcasting in digital are using UHF (14 and up) channels to do so. However, this is not due to any technical requirement of digital broadcasting. It is because the UHF channels were more likely to be available in most television markets. When the digital transition is completed and TV stations no longer broadcast in analog, a significant number of stations plan to switch and use their current analog VHF channels for digital instead.
If you hook up the box and lose signals from full-power stations, the problem is most likely with your antenna. Because some stations broadcast in analog in the VHF band, a simple VHF antenna—like rabbit ears—can pick up the signals. However, if the stations' digital signals are in the UHF band, then rabbit-ear antennas won't be able to pick them up. You will need a VHF/UHF antenna (rabbit ears plus a loop antenna) to pick up both digital and analog signals. Depending on where you live and where your TV set is in your house, you may need an outdoor antenna.
No. A digital-to-analog converter box will allow you to continue using your existing analog TV set to watch over-the-air digital programming. If your analog set is hooked up to a subscription service, such as cable or satellite TV, it should continue to function as before. Analog sets should also continue working with gaming consoles, VCRs, DVD players and similar products that you use now.
If your portable analog TV set has an available RF or Line input jack, it can be connected to a DTV converter box to continue receiving television signals after the transition. Currently, there is at least one battery-powered converter box available now. The manufacturer, Winegard, offers a battery pack for use with its converter box model.
Yes. However, after the digital transition, the analog tuner in your VCR will not be able to pick up over-the-air programs for recording. Instead, the input to the VCR must be connected to the output of the DTV converter box. You must set the converter box tuner to the channel you want to record prior to the start of the timed recording programmed in the VCR.
With a converter box, you will be able to watch HDTV programs, but not with HDTV quality. Although analog TV sets cannot display high definition resolution, your picture will generally improve with a TV converter box. If you want to view true high definition TV, then you will need a newer TV set rated for high definition resolution.
No. It is important to understand that the deadline refers to the end of analog broadcasting and the beginning of all-digital broadcasting. All new television sets will be able to receive and decode all formats of digital television, although you will need an HDTV set to watch programs that are broadcast in HDTV with full high definition quality. A standard definition digital TV (a TV set with an internal digital tuner), or a digital-to-analog converter box connected to an analog TV set, is all you need to continue watching over-the-air broadcast television programming.
Yes. If you want to watch and record one program simultaneously, you will only need one converter box. However, if you want to watch one program and record a different channel at the same time, you will need two converter boxes. Each TV set or TV recording device, such as a VCR, that does not have a digital tuner must be connected to a DTV converter box to continue receiving broadcast signals. N.C. Headlines |
Recent comments
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I'm not sure if it has to do
I'm not sure if it has to do with the Digital Transition or not because the problem I have just appeared this week. I am a customer of Charter cable tv and internet and was told I would not need to do anything to continue viewing the channels that transitioned. Yet, all of a sudden, the newscasts on WWAY look ridiculous. They are terribly distorted. I went to this webiste and checked the news and weather update videos and they look the same. It looks like the people are really small and lots of empty space around them and at some points, there are blank spaces on either side of the picture with WWAY printed up the side, even though the banner with the reporter's name stretches all the way across the bottom of the screen. I checked your newscast on channel 10, and it looked fine. I watch ABC a great deal and have not noticed it on any other program. What is causing this?
You need to adjust the
You need to adjust the picture on your screen. WWAY is now broadcasting in a 16:9 widescreen format. There should be a button on your remote control that allows you to do this. It will probably be labeled as zoom. Keep pushing the button until the picture adjusts to fit your screen.
I am having the same
I am having the same problem. So, you are telling me that I have to adjust my picture? In other words, you are telling us that we have to go out and spend $1200 on a widescreen tv in order to watch the local news on WWAY? I wonder how many of your other viewers are dealing with this or just changing the channel? Did you ever stop to think that not everyone has a widescreen tv or can afford to go out and buy one when you came up with this idea?
You do not need to have a
You do not need to have a widescreen tv to view WWAY. We have launched our newscast in widescreen including some promos and eventually we'll have some widescreen programming as well. If you are watching WWAY on cable or satellite service, and you have a tv that is NOT widescreen, you will still see the picture like you always have since we are using 4:3 safe camera angles. People with widescreen televisions will see their picture in full screen as well without the black pillars (bars) on the sides. If you are watching WWAY on a 4:3 tv using a set top box and antenna, you may need to change your picture using the remote control by selecting "Normal" or "Full Screen" format. If you have a widescreen tv on antenna you would select "Wide" to view in full screen. The setting labels differ from box to box.
Those of you watching WWAY on Charter Cable service should have the proper aspect ratio as of today, Nov 6th. Charter was taking our feed over fiber optics and was not getting the proper aspect ratio settings, but they were to switch their feed so that they too were receiving the signal correctly. Time Warner and ATMC viewers should have seen no change with a 4:3 tv.
If you have any questions about this, or you are having trouble getting your settings correct, please feel free to contact WWAY Chief Engineer Billy Stratton at (910) 762-8581 for help setting it up.
DTV question
I have a Zenith digital converter box connected to an older picture tube TV. I use an indoor passive UHF antenna, which I've found
(curiously) to provide better reception than a power antenna. The image is fine, sharp and free of multipath (ghosts), even on this 23-year-old set. However, when a car passes my house on the street outside, the picture breaks up and sound drops out. I consider my house in fact not to be particularly close to the street. What might I do to stop this break-up? Thanks.
I too have found that a low
I too have found that a low cost bowtie passive antenna picks up very well in my office at our studio, versus a powered rabbit ear antenna. My suggestion for solving your break up problem when a car passes is to elevate the antenna if at all possible. You could try other spots to place your antenna in the room where your tv is as well.
dtv
the dtv is terrible, the ones that have this went out brought a new anntenna and all then it will play good for a minute the stops then start back up it is terrible.
green screen
I've been a WWAY digital/HD viewer for over two years up in Jacksonville, and did see a green screen pop up for a second tonight on DWTS. I have not experienced picture freezes or sound issues however. This type of thing is from not having a directional UHF antenna pointing toward the south of Wilmington. The green screen has nothing to do with your antenna, but possibly a microwave fade which can be caused by interference in the atmosphere.
That is correct, and in fact
That is correct, and in fact the green screen during DWTS was from ABC's network feed. We did experience a microwave fade last night (Oct 14) that caused loss of signal several times and lasting approx 2 minutes each time.
picture breakup
Before I comment, let me preface by saying I've been watching HD TV since 2000. Yes, I had an HD ready TV and subscribed to cable HD services back in 2000.
I have also been watching OTA digital-HD signals since the first local came on line--again, we're talking a year or two I think, maybe longer. The local stations have been broadcasting in digital for quite some time now, along with their analog signals.
So when I say that lately the images have been breaking up more frequently, it's with some substance. I notice the breakup both OTA and with TW cable (I use both signals, and record both to a computer and Dish DVR).
It has gotten worse since the digital transition.
Not only does the video signal drop out, but I've had much more audio drop out than normal, even while the video signal remains ok.
These comments are not specific to WWAY, but for all the local stations...
So some of you are not crazy, I believe the problem is worse than before.
DTV change
I live in Chadbourn, and I have Time Warner Cable. I haven't noticed much difference. My reception was very good before the switch, and it still is.
NEW ANTENNA
I JUST WENT AND BOUGHT A NEW ANTENNA, A 75 OHMCOXIAL CABLE IT'S AN HDTV/FM HD ANTENNA IS THIS GOOD ENOUGH?
It should work fine, but
It should work fine, but again, a lot will depend on where you live relative to the tower where the tv stations' antenna are located. The farther away you are from there, the more gain you will need from your antenna.
Dear DTV Answers
If you want to blame picture break-up on people using the wrong antenna, then why is the picture breaking up like mad on Direct TV AND Time Warner cable?
I have Direct TV and ONLY the LOCAL channels are breaking up.
I asked around the office to see what is happening on Cable. My co-workers say its the same with Time Warner.
I don't have DirecTV so I
I don't have DirecTV so I can't say with any certainty what is going on there. I do know that we (WWAY) are being sent over-the-air to DirecTV while other stations in our market are using a fiber feed. I would think the fiber feed should not be breaking up since it is a signal sent directly to DirecTV and has nothing to do with reception.
As for cable signal breaking up, I watched, for several hours over the weekend, our HD channel on Time Warner did not break up at all while I was watching it.
I am using an $8 bowtie antenna in my office at our studio with no amplification at all and I have a very good signal in the downtown Wilimington area of WWAY. It does break up from time to time on that, but less that 3-4 times per day and only for a second or 2 when it does.
Digital Switch
The ditigal switch did not work well for me. I am unable to get many of the channels I received before the switch (channel 6, 43, 26, etc.). Channel 3 breaks up into a puzzle and then goes to no signal often.
DTV
Fortunately I have DirecTV, because the two tv,s that are on converter boxes are not reliable, the picture breaks up and channel 3 is out quite often. I am not happy with DTV at all.
As mentioned in other
As mentioned in other replies below, you will need to get a different antenna if you are seeing the picture breaking up. When shopping for one, "Gain" or "db" are the key items. The more gain or higher db, the better the antenna will pick up a signal. Depeding on your location, rabbit ear antennas fair if you are closer to the Winnabow transmitter site. The farther away from that you are, the better antenna you will need.
WHAT A "CROCK!!"
What a 'crock' this DTV is!! I bought 2 converter boxes, new rabbit ears, which are both VHF and UHF, and the picture quality is really terrible!!! I added all the channels I used to get on analog into the box and ran autoscan like it said to do. I still can't get all the channels. If I get CH 3, I can't get CH 6 or CH 26. I've turned my antenna every which way in order to get reception to no avail. When I am able to get a CH, it breaks up like crazy. When I had analog, even when it was a little fuzzy, at least I could still watch and listen to the show good enough to know what was going on.
I've read all the comments posted on this site and NOT ONE has any positive feedback!! Why couldn't you leave well enough alone? Why didn't we get to have a say in all this?
We, the people, are the ones that pay for you to be on the airwaves by our many means of support and especially our advertising!!
Well, all I can say is, now that we can't watch your stations or channels unless these problems are addressed and solved, I for one will not be doing any more advertising with you!!!! I will find other ways to do my business and spend my dollars!!!!
The main complaint we have
The main complaint we have received after the digital switch is the signal breaking up when it didn't before. The main reason the signal is breaking up is the lack of the proper antenna to ensure this don't happen. With the analog signal we have watch for years, you could still *see* the picture even if the signal was weak. It would be snowy, have ghosting images and you might even start to hear some static in the sound... but you could essentially still watch that channel. With the digital signals, there is less forgiveness for weak reception. If you were seeing snowy analog signals before the switch, you are likely going to need a better antenna to ensure uninterrupted programming with the digital signal. This does not necessarily mean that you have to go out and spend hundreds of dollars on a better antenna. Antennas are measured by their "gain" or "db". If you have a basic rebbit ear type of antenna that does not plug up to a/c power, it probably has low gain. You can shop for a better antenna, most of which costs less than $40 that could work fine for you. Of course the best option is to get an outdoor rotor type of antenna system with a good UHF "Bowtie" configuration antenna, but these do cost $100+.
The switch to digital was not an option given to broadcasters. This is a national FCC mandate. The Wilmington market did elect to make the change over early for various reasons, but we would have had to change over in Feb 2009 with the rest of the country regardless.
digital tv
The problem that I am having now is that the autoscam shuts down after a few hours of tv watching. How can that be stopped. The volume goes down and I dont have a problem with the picture it's great, just that autoscam thing. My other tv the antenna won't fit in the converter box so I can't use it, I guess I have to buy another antenna, still spending money.
I am not sure what you are
I am not sure what you are referring to by "autoscam". If you can offer some more information I will be happy to try to help you with the problem.
converter box question
I have the converter box hooked up to my tv, and the picture is pixelating less than it was initially. Channel 6 is the worst, and I don't get CBS at all. But, now I hear a loud "click" and my sound completely goes out. This was happening infrequently, but now it is all the time. Has anyone had this sound issue, and how do you fix it...the tv is on only about 15 to 20 minutes when I lose sound, and then it continues to cut out more frequently if I turn it off & back on. Thanks for any thoughts!
Does the clicking sound you
Does the clicking sound you are hearing happen on all of the channels you watch or just one? If it is on all channels, there is a chance that your converter box could be faulty. I would suggest trying another box if you can.
When are these problems going to stop?
Dancing with the Stars goes green screen.
Digital break up.
Audio going nuts.
Come on people get this digital TV right.
The main complaint we have
The main complaint we have received after the digital switch is the signal breaking up when it didn't before. The main reason the signal is breaking up is the lack of the proper antenna to ensure this don't happen. With the analog signal we have watch for years, you could still *see* the picture even if the signal was weak. It would be snowy, have ghosting images and you might even start to hear some static in the sound... but you could essentially still watch that channel. With the digital signals, there is less forgiveness for weak reception. If you were seeing snowy analog signals before the switch, you are likely going to need a better antenna to ensure uninterrupted programming with the digital signal. This does not necessarily mean that you have to go out and spend hundreds of dollars on a better antenna. Antennas are measured by their "gain" or "db". If you have a basic rebbit ear type of antenna that does not plug up to a/c power, it probably has low gain. You can shop for a better antenna, most of which costs less than $40 that could work fine for you. Of course the best option is to get an outdoor rotor type of antenna system with a good UHF "Bowtie" configuration antenna, but these do cost $100+.
I'm not sure why the
I'm not sure why the problems in Wilmington, but we really enjoy the digital here near Holden Beach. Sometimes channel 3 is not the right channel on some tvs. Ours turned out to be Video 1, the same channel as our kid's video games were played. Also for PBS, we had to add the channel 39, because it did not find it on the scan. We are using the Magnavox converter. We have had our cable cancelled for almost a year and don't miss it. Don't miss the hefty bill for all that junk either.
This here DTV thing is
This here DTV thing is terrible. Its a clear picture but every time I change the channel, it stays on the same station. The only thing I see is the Any Griffith show, over and over and over. It's on every station...
If I understand you
If I understand you correctly, you are saying that when you change channels the program you are watching does not change? I would suggest that you perform a scan on you digital receiver again because it sounds like your digital receiver is only picking up one channel and when you attempt to change channels, it doesn't have another digital channel scanned so it reverts back to the channel you were watching. If this is not the case, please provide more information and we'll try to find out what is going on.
DTV switch
Over the air digital is not better. I was able to watch the "fuzzy" analog signal with no problem.. last night with the rain, I had to turn the tv off. I have a large roof top antenna, pointed in the direction of the towers. It's just very annoying to watch a program that breaks up constantly.
Freezing Up
Now that the wilmington channels are completely digital,they're constantly freezing up. They was doing fine up until September the 8th. Now they seems to be freezing up really bad.
Cable
It must be your cable provider, mine doesn't freeze on satellite.
Picture freezing
I have a year old, wide screen,digital tv set with Time Warner Cable service.
Now I can just about handle the picture changing size every now and then. Larger than my screen one minute, just right the next as if someone is messing with it.
I can possibly handle the pixelation that happens every now and then, but I cannot handle the image freezing on PBS for up to forty minutes at a time.
When I get 'moving' images back again, I will have missed forty minutes of the show and the sound is way out of sync.
What gives there?
I can't speak for the other
I can't speak for the other local stations, but I am certain that our signal has not changed since we went to full power in 2003-04. We have had times when there were problems with equipment associated with our digital signal and we were breaking up or even off the air, but those were resolved quickly and effectively. Our signal is monitored 24/7 by our master control operators, and our employees while at work and/or home. I personally make it a point to watch our signal daily at home if at all possible, and I see no breakup or picture distortions.
DTV
What’s with the very frequent signal interruptions? The picture blurs and the sounds stops! This happens on all channels.
We switched to digital in the middle of hurricane season – good plan! Who came up with this and then who agreed to it?
Somebody’s making money from the switch to digital, of course.
I’m watching very little television now.
Change is good; change is good; it’s easy, say it with me; change is good; change is good. Feel better?
(One more thing. Read through these comments; spelling, people, spelling. That ABC thing up there is a spell check.)
The main complaint we have
The main complaint we have received after the digital switch is the signal breaking up when it didn't before. The main reason the signal is breaking up is the lack of the proper antenna to ensure this don't happen. With the analog signal we have watch for years, you could still *see* the picture even if the signal was weak. It would be snowy, have ghosting images and you might even start to hear some static in the sound... but you could essentially still watch that channel. With the digital signals, there is less forgiveness for weak reception. If you were seeing snowy analog signals before the switch, you are likely going to need a better antenna to ensure uninterrupted programming with the digital signal. This does not necessarily mean that you have to go out and spend hundreds of dollars on a better antenna. Antennas are measured by their "gain" or "db". If you have a basic rebbit ear type of antenna that does not plug up to a/c power, it probably has low gain. You can shop for a better antenna, most of which costs less than $40 that could work fine for you. Of course the best option is to get an outdoor rotor type of antenna system with a good UHF "Bowtie" configuration antenna, but these do cost $100+.
I just wont see the local channels any more
I have direct tv dish, love it, but I live to close to the dang local station antennas for Directv to give me the local channels. I have applied for a coupon to get a converter, but now I think I must get an antenna to make it work and that does not seem to be working well for others. The easiest thing for me to do is give up watching the local channels and stick to what Directv gives me.
What was the atvantage of the local station going to digital only. Not everyone has the money to buy a new TV or converters or antennas. I was very happy with the fuzzy picture from my regular antenna for the local stations.
Not happy with the switch, it just means to me I will be watching a different channel that what I use to.
If you have an HD satellite
If you have an HD satellite receiver you will not need a digital converter box since the satellite receiver will do the same thing. You can simply hook your antenna into the "Antenna In" jack on the back of the satellite receiver and perform the scan according to the directions for the receiver and the digital channels will be listed as part of your satellite guide. Be aware that you will need a UHF antenna for the Wilmington stations.
The switch to digital is an FCC mandate, not an option. While the Wilmington market did agree to switch over early, after mid Feb. 2009 every station in the nation will have to be off their analog signals and transmitting in digital only.
Digital picture break up
Is anything being done to stop the digital picture breakup?
I'm on Direct TV and WWAY breaks up or freezes at least once a show. It looks similar to what you would expect during heavy rain on satellite, but its not Direct TV, it must be you. Sunny skies, so it can't be them.
I will look into this.
I will look into this. DirecTV and DishNetwork both receive our signal "over-the-air". It is likely that their recieve site is having the problem because we monitor our air signal 24/7 and I can assure you that our signal is not breaking up.
The reason for the breakup
The reason for the breakup is signal strength. Unlike analog where the picture still comes in but is really poor with a weak signal, digital has the tendency to freeze or break up when the signal is weak. This can be resolved by either upgrading your antenna or by repositioning your existing one. Feel free to give us a call at the station with any further questions.
HDTV, and satellite
You recently ran a story concerning High Definition TV signals in the Wilmington area not available for satellite customers. I missed that show. Could you explain what you meant? I currently have Direct TV, and the reason for getting it was local high definition.
Thank you
The just of the story was
The just of the story was that Direct TV and Dish/Echo do not offer local channels in HD only digital. They have not installed the necessary equipment to offer HD and have no immediate plan to do so. They are telling their customers that it is the stations fault which is clearly not true. We are sending it to them already they just aren't passing it along. As with any contract, be sure to read the fine print before you sign.
High-Definition TV
Gerard-
You can find that story by following this link, http://wwaytv3.com/highdefinition_television_in_wilmington/09/2008
I have 3 TV's, one of which
I have 3 TV's, one of which is on DishNetwork, without local channels. Bought 2 converter boxes and tried on all 3 TV's - none of which work. Even had an engineer friend try....still cannot receive local channels, except one TV now shows PBS and channel 12 without the converter box. I gave up. Definitely NOT as advetised.
The converter box alone will
The converter box alone will not produce a signal. You must have a suitable UHF antenna in order to pick up the digital channels. If you would like to give us a call at the station we would be more than happy to help you out. (910 762 8581) ask for an engineer.
DTV transition
My mother, who lives in Pender County, has put nearly $300 in converter boxes and an antenna (plus an electrician to put the antenna on the roof and run the coaxial cable) for the DTV transition and still can't receive anything but 4 UNC channels. Got some clod on the phone with the FCC who could only say she was sorry. The transition has NOT been a smooth one, no matter what the media are reporting.
dtv not clear
I bought a box. I use rabbit ears. I live near downtown Wilmington. Sometimes the picture is clear, then for no apparent reason it begins to break up. Not only on this station, but each of my channels.
Am i doing something wrong?
Is there something you or the other stations can do?
Why is not the dtv clear all the time (especially in the city)?
rabbit ears
You need rabbit ears that have an UHF antenna as well as the typical VHF portion, in addition, you actually might have to AIM the antenna towards the transmission towers, which are generally towards the West/South West...
DTV test
While visiting Myrtle Beach on vacation I purchased two converter boxes as they are impossible to find in Houston. I hooked one up to my parents set just as a test (they have cable) on the Sept. 8 test day using an indoor loop antenna.I expected to at least receive the local Fox & NBC stations, but was surprised to also get WWAY's DTV signal cleanly. I could not get any other stations from Wilmington or Florence on the box. Thought you might like to know your signal gets down here pretty well.