Digital TV switch not smooth for all; Some viewers still not getting local stations

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: Digital TV switch not smooth for all : WLS, WBBM | Some viewers still not getting local stations : July 8, 2009 : BY LEWIS LAZARE AND FRANCINE KNOWLES | Chicago Sun-Times : : Chicago TV stations spent months trying to prepare local residents for the nationwide digital transition on June 12 in hopes it would be as problem-free as possible. : Despite that effort, thousands of local residents were unable to get digital signals from CBS-owned WBBM-Channel 2 and ABC-owned WLS-Channel 7 after the transition. The trouble was traced to the two outlets being assigned digital channels that had to be changed during the transition. : Most viewers have resolved the issue by re-scanning their channels, but for some, problems continue. : "WLS in Chicago is probably one of the three or four stations that is mentioned most" in calls about signal problems, said Federal Communications Commission spokesman Bill Lake. : The continuing problems may be linked to the power of WLS' signal, which is relatively low. The FCC is letting WLS increase its power on a trial basis to see if that helps. : WLS General Manager Emily Barr said her station continues to hear from a few households still having problems because they live in buildings constructed out of materials that may prevent the digital signal from fully reaching the TV set. Antenna positioning may be another factor affecting the digital signal, Barr said. : At its peak, the FCC's call center received 230,000 calls nationally in one day from TV viewers having problems. Calls are down to about 10,000 to 12,000 a day now, about 2 percent of them from Chicago, Lake said. In all they've received about 1.3 million. : Radio Shack stores report they continue to get calls from people who say they can't get Channels 2, 5, 7 and 66. : --------------------------------------------- : TRY THIS AT HOME : If you're having trouble getting certain television channels since the switch to digital, try these potential fixes: : * Unplug the antenna from the converter box. : * Follow converter box directions on re-scanning channels. : * Unplug the converter box from the power outlet for at least a minute. : * Plug the antenna back into the converter box and plug the converter box back into the power outlet. : * Re-scan the box. : * Make sure you have an antenna that receives UHF and VHF signals. : * Reposition your antenna. People tend to set the rabbit ears right on top of the television, but that's not necessarily the best place. Try placing the antenna near a window or readjusting it. : * Use a shorter cable. Long cables can weaken the signal. : * Remove a signal splitter. It cuts the signal strength sent to each device. Remove it temporarily, and if that helps, buy a splitter with an amplifier. : * For free advice, call the help line at 1-888-CALL-FCC or go to dtv.gov and enter your address or ZIP code to get more information on local assistance available. : Source: Federal Communications Commission

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