Having problems with the Digital TV switch today? Tell us here

It's a modern day paradox: At a time when we're more connected than ever, the people most likely to be affected by the switch to digital television are those least likely to show up in a place like this.

Still, we're on the cusp of momentous change. By 1 p.m. today, most local stations will have ended their analog broadcasts forever, turning over the frequencies to the government for use or leasing. As of Thursday, an estimated 28,000 households in the Tampa Bay area were expected to lose TV service completely -- homes with no cable or satellite TV service or television sets capable of picking up digital signals.

The Tampa Bay area is among the nation's most wired communities, with 93 percent of our homes receiving satellite or cable, so the impact is expected to be minimal. But if you're having problems dealing with the change, feel free to sounds off here.

I've been covering the impending switch for over a year, so I may have some information which can help. Click here to check out a guide to the switch I pulled together back in December. Here's my story on the Maytag repairman of the digital switch, Chris Hendrix.

Look below for a list of last-minute tips I pulled together for today's newspaper.

And feel free to chime in here with any problems or issues you may be experiencing:

Remember:

• Only viewers who receive TV signals through an antenna connected to a TV that does not receive digital frequencies will be affected. Most newer TVs can receive digital signals; check your owner’s manual or look up the model online if you remain unsure.

• If you have an analog TV, you can purchase a digital-to-analog converter for about $60 at an electronics retailer such as Best Buy, RadioShack or Wal-Mart. The government will provide coupons worth $40 toward these purchases until July 31 or supplies run out. See www.dtv2009.gov to apply.

• There is free help available to connect digital-to-analog converters in your home and help with reception. You must already own a converter and technicians are not allowed to sell you equipment or services. They are allowed to connect up to two converters, scan for available channels and make minor adjustments to your antenna. See www.dtv.gov and enter your zip code in the Get Help Locally menu for multiple numbers. The FCC also has a hotline: 1-888-CALL-FCC (225-5322).

• If you already have a digital-to-analog converter, you should scan for available channels after the switch today. Several broadcasters will change frequencies or frequency strength after ending analog service; rescanning ensures you won’t lose channels.

• Portable analog TV sets used for emergencies, camping or boat trips will no longer operate, unless connected to a converter. There are a few battery-powered portable digital TVs on the market, priced at about $150 and at least one battery-powered converter kit, priced at about $90.

• High definition TV is different from digital TV. You can purchase a standard-definition TV set that receives digital signals, though some viewers have used the switch as an excuse to purchase televisions with greater features. Similarly, cable systems will continue carrying the same array of stations they always have. But if viewers want to see the extra digital channels offered by broadcasters, they will likely need a different cable tuner. Contact your cable provider for details.

• To see what new programming is available locally on digital channels, go to tv.tampabay.com. You’ll need to pick your cable provider and scan pretty far down in the listings, but you’ll know it when you come to the listing for WEDU-DT, the first of local channels listed

Comments

[Joe]

Also have Hd tv and no cable. Only get a few stations 7,13.Live in nj near ny. no woods, trees and still no signal. I also have indoor antenna, and others didn't work either, like the ones you keep right next to the tv. It's been a month and nothing has changed. Filed a complaint. Amazing though, commercials don't freeze. Can't wait till september when fall line up comes, no one will be watching tv.Probably then something will happen. Went online, did research for antennas, or any other tips. all those websites are Useless. Depending on the day or time in the week, we sometimes get good signals. Frustrating and soooo upset!!

[Laura]

My parents don't have cable and live 14 miles from nyc. Bought a new hd vizio with digital tuner and only get channel 7. Others freeze.Interesting though, when Pres. Obama was speaking all the channels worked.This is all since the switch. Big scam.We must have scanned 100 times. A little every day.Still nothing.My mom is so aggravated. Supposedly the tv stations aren't putting out a strong signal.We have an indoor antenna. Tried other amplifiers and it caused interference.Why should they put in an outdoor antenna and drill into their roof for Tv! So aggravating!!

[Eric Deggans]

the flat antenna i had offered limited effectiveness and needed to be mounted high up. you'd be better off with an outside antenna...

[Dawn Vohsen]

I am going to get one of the flat antennas for the little TV--any one have a comment on them? (From St. Louis again).

[Dawn Vohsen]

I am going to get one of the flat antennas for the little TV--any one have a comment on them? (From St. Louis again).

[Eric Deggans]

I don't think a converter can break a TV. But if your Tv was close to breaking down anyway, the disruption of hooking up a converter might be enough to mess it up....

[ellie]

My TV worked fine, sound and all. Then I scanned it with a converter box. I got the stations, great picture, no sound. The salesman came out to assist me and spent some time trying different things. He concluded it was my tv because I also couldn't get sound from the vcr or dvd, not even static sound when in between channels.

I called the manufacturer and told him I think the converter box broke my tv but he denied it and said the same thing as the salesman, it's my tv that is broken.

I wonder if a converter box can break a tv so it has no more sound?

What I have observed with the digital tv is that the signal strength varies considerably by the minute. A station will show a 45 or 55 signal strength and 30 seconds later it is at 15 with blotches for a picture. Then 10 seconds later there is no signal. 2 minutes later the station appears with
the blotches and then 20 seconds later it is ok.
Most of the tv stations here in this area are UHF which make them harder to receive.
When it works you can't beat the picture quality.

Just my two cents.

[Dawn Vohsen]

From St. Louis again--keep rescanning the little HD TV--sometimes I get ABC or not, sometimes I get NBC, or not, sometimes I get CBS, or not, sometimes I get Fox, or not--forget PBS now on the little TV in bedroom--that definitely is not happening. I rescanned three times in a row last night and wound up with Fox, ABC, and WB only!!!!! Nothing else. Great technology!

[Robert]

I had been receiving analog at work on a small TV with no trouble. Now, after forking out for a new portable 7-inch digital tv and expensive, high end antenna, all the channels come in but break up (pixilate) to such a degree that it's impossible to watch. And I'm only a few miles from the transmitters in an unobstructed line. Why weren't we told that even some digital tvs might not work with this system? What the hell's going on?

[Brian & Tereasa Janway]

We haven't been able to watch tv since the digital switchover! We have the converter box and a philips hdtv antenna and we are not getting any channels! We live way out in the country could that be the problem? Do we just need to get direct tv or something like that? Thank you, Tereasa Janway

[Anonymous]

I feel that this DTV thing is not only annoying, inconvenient but also a big fat SCAM! I think the gov't wants us to roll over and submit to cable or satellite, that is why the quality is so poor, no matter what I do. I hate submitting. I'd rather go without tv than to be a slave to cable or direct tv. I'm not against consumerism but for the most part, I purchase necessities not luxuries. I am not a slave to consumerism. I only buy things that I need and want, not things that I feel I have to get because of the gov't. The FCC and the networks should be so lucky to have people watching their programmings. Now, I won't be surprised if most people stop watching tv altogether. I'm one of those people that will not be watching tv because of this DTV scam. If I want to watch tv, I will watch it on the internet.

[Eric Deggans]

Anonymous, sounds like your problem is your antenna. i would try to find away to upgrade your antenna...

[Anonymous]

I agree with "waiting to see" that we should all file a class action suit against the FCC.

[Anonymous]

Switching to DTV has been a complete nightmare. Before, I would get all the local channels without a problem. Now, even though I have a new LCD tv, I'm still having problems. Yes I have re-scanned many many times and still I'm having problems. Even when a channel is working, the sound and the picture don't go hand in hand. The sound is a few seconds later than the picture, so it looks like I'm watching one of those japanese ninja movies, where the mouth is moving faster than the sound. It's really rather annoying. Also when I finally do get a channel to work, a few seconds later, it goes dark black and I lose picture. I'm a poor nursing student from LA and I wish I could afford cable but I can't at this time. Getting by in expensive LA is already an arm and a leg. Having to pay for cable, just to watch the local channels I used to get for free is really a burden.

[nikki]

Some of you people DO realize that everyone doesn't have an attic...or a house? I live on the bottom floor of a 3 story apt complex in greater los angeles...where the hell is MY attic or my backyard? And honestly, those of you who are constantly (oh so helpfully) saying "rescan!" aren't actually helping most people. Do you really think people aren't rescanning or didn't know about that nifty little feature?

O-T-A tv used to be a cost effective way for people on budgets to view programs. Now we're being told that in order to watch the same "free" programming we've had for decades..we have to purchase expensive bells and whistles (ie; amplified antennas, converter boxes etc...)

And "John", no, TVs are NOT a right, which is why the gov't isn't issuing free sets. However having free access to news in case of emergencies is definitely "a RIGHT".

I'm sorry I'm just venting a little frustration. I'm sick of people who don't really know what's going on.

[Eric Deggans]

You my just have to improve your antenna. The higher your antenna, the better. you don't need a fancy powered antenna, but if you can't mount an antenna outside your home, you might try a powered antenna. If all else fails, call one of the numbers in the post above to get a technician to your home for free...

[Dashaun]

I scanned months ago and had many digital channels but on JUNE 12th I scan 2 converter boxes and my HDTV well things changed quickly. Digital channels I had a moment before were gone permanently. I lost stations CBS and NBC that means no Oprah, Ellen Ghost Whisper no Entertainment Tonight. Look I rescanned over and over again each yielding a different result but CBS and NBC channel 50.1 are just gone. What can I do I refuse to pay for cable just to get regular local TV. What can I do to help these channels pop back in. I have a hdtv attenna on my HDTV and regular rabbit ears on the other 2 TV's. I don't know what else I can do . HELP the scan took away great stations. Help ME!!!!

[John]

the govt. shouldn't even be issuing coupons for converter boxes. TVs are a not a right. The government shouldn't be subsidizing this.

[Eric Deggans]

S bonner, I would suggest you rescan for channels if possible. Usingp owered antennas or large antennas in your attic or on your roof also seem to produce great results....

[S BONNER]

We have two samsung TV's which are digital ready. Since the switch
we cannot get stations on our kitchen
set which we received before. Even
those who switched before the June 12
date. Seems strange we could get
them befor but not now.
Sandy

[Jeff (another one)]

For those having trouble, I would suggest above all getting an "old school" antenna, it will do wonders. If you don't mind the look and don't have an HOA breathing down your neck, just pop it up on a mast outside.

And even if you do have an HOA to deal with, or don't want to mount it outside you can put it your attic. I installed a Channel Master CM 3016 (you can get it for about $30 at Lowes) in my attic. Changing to that from a small powered set-top antenna greatly boosted my signal, and number of available channels. (Yes, un-powered big antenna beat small powered antenna)

I will advise that the kicker will be getting it aimed correctly in the attic. And that will depend mostly on how much room you have. Luckily for me, my house faced Riverview. So I only had to turn it about six inches to the East to get 100% signal for all of those stations. And 10 came in fine too, even though their transmitter is off to the West.

Even when I switched from DirecTV to FIOS I kept it hooked up as a backup.

So, if you're willing to invest $30 and some time you can get a great signal.

[Eric Deggans]

Dave, you probably need a powered antenna. I would look at a few models which plug into the wall and boost signals -- I bet you get closer to 20 channels that way.

Bowman, if you're not receiving a station through DirectTV, I would suggest you call the company. Perhaps there was a problem with their feed, or they decided to stop carrying it for some reason...

[dave]

I have a Panasonic, 53inch HDTV with all sorts of bells and whistles. I put it on Channel 3, changed the interior setting to ANTENNA, and scanned. I received mabey 3 clear stations, all weather related. Now, I rescan the COnverter, get about 14 listed stations, but, no signal. I move the flat screened, rabbit ear antenna to the window, dang near outside (cant wait to see the cooling bill), but still, pixelated to "no signal" stations, cant watch a story or movie to save my life...beginning to think of this as a scam. I still have an outdoor antenna, the old ones 15 or 20 feet tall or so, but I took it down. NOW I will have to put it back up. This is awfully frustrating.

[m bowman]

I use Direct TV. After the change chanel 13 news does not come full screen on my TV. No problem with any other station. Is the problem me or TV13???

[Rob]

This is tampa stations.
I live in new port Richey 34654

[Rob]

I recieved all channels before the big switcheroo. My VHF antenna is strong so 3 8 10 13 come in great. Uhf is not so good ion is a little weaker 28 kicks real butt. however 38 (on the same tower as 28 and supposedly the same wattage is no signal)I have an outside antenna.I am thinking of contacting the fcc i used to get 38 with an attic antenna, then I moved it outside for reception, now nothing.

[bored out of my mind]

thanks

[Jeff Benitz]

Digital T.V. is a government/industry scam. Here in northern Maine we went from six channels to two--- and that's on a good day. Though I transfered over a few months ago most of my T.V. was still watched through analog.

The government took it as a money grab telling the public it would be better to lease many more channels for the same frequency and also it would assist in opening first responder channels for safety. Industry wanted the space with full knowledge that they could then extort the public into buying satellite or cable when it did not work.

Not this chap. I agree with Dawn Vohsen and Kathy's comments above. Goodbye! On good days, I have a better chance of getting Canadian T.V. than I do digital (they are still analog). Train me to be a little puppy boy consumer--- NOT!

I still have friends who ask to use my black bakelite rotary phone because they have no signal with thier cell phone or their battery is dead.

Technology is supposed to be our slave not the other way around.

[Eric Deggans]

Bored, I would suggest you call one of the numbers in my post to ask someone to come to your home for free and help with installation of your converter and reception.

They generally come within two days and will help for no charge. They also shouldn't try to sell you anything during the visit.

[bored to death]

ok, this digital tv thing is getting on my nerves. i hav a converter box, and a hv1 antena or whatever its called. and when i instaled it, and made a channel search, it said that it didnt find any channels. and also, who do you really think they will keep theyre instruction manuals, of a 6 year old television, i dont know why did they made this big change, i had a perfectly good image in my tv. if you know whats going on with my television, can you help me, please. if you need any information about the type of converter box, or antenna, please email me in the email i wrote for the thing.

[JS]

Eric is correct about rabbit ears. One thing to try is to put them in a window facing the transmission towers. That's the setup I use. Of course, it may not be feasible depending on where your TV is located. The amplified antenna he mentions is also a good option. They sell them at Wal-Mart and Target.

If you happen to live in an old house that still has the old outdoor antenna attached, see if you can get it wired up. Old antennas (antennae?) will receive DTV signals just fine. I helped a friend do this a few months ago. His reception pegs the signal strength meter on all channels.

If you're going to buy a new antenna, this website has tons of user reviews of almost every antenna out there:
http://www.hdtvantennalabs.com/hdtv-antenna-reviews.php

[JS]

Eric- Thanks for the suggestion. I should have mentioned in my original post that I tried rescanning channels with no success.

I called a friend who also receives DTV over the air, and she had lost the same three channels.

I tried adjusting antenna position to line up with the antenna farm to the east (Riverview?) with no success.

Around 9:45PM, DTV Channels 3, 38, and 44 magically reappeared. All three channels have lower signal strength readings than usual. This may have something to do with the transmission strength changes you mention in your article.

For anybody having reception problems, a good site to find out what direction to point your antenna is:
http://www.tvfool.com/?option=com_wrapper&Itemid=29

If you put in your address, it will give you a chart showing where the transmission towers are located in relation to your house.

Just as a side note, I had an installer from Bright House working on my RoadRunner service last year. When he saw my television picture quality, he said it was the cleanest Bright House picture he had ever seen. When I told him it was free over the air HDTV, he was shocked. So everybody who is having a little trouble getting good reception, rest assured that it's worth the hassle. After you position your antenna correctly, you'll be getting the cleanest, most pristine HDTV around (if you've got an HD television.)

[L.G.]

I have a digital TV set, with ATSC turner and HDMI input, yet it doesn't pickup any channel; whereas it did prior to the switch. What's going on here?

[Eric Deggans]

Unfortunately, most consumers are finding rabbit ears are not good enough to pull in digital signals, which do not travel as far as analog signals and can be obstructed by tall buildings and such.

I bought a flat RCA antenna to test several DTV converters a couple of weeks ago, and it captured several channels It was a powered unit which boosted the signal to the set. I imagine, at the very least, you could experiment with a model like that...

[vovillia]

I noticed after the DTV switch, that the radio waves are weaker or a lot of interference, my radio stations are not coming in at all on none of my radios, including all the ones in my house and the car radio

[Mimi]

I have a digital hd set bought a few months ago for this transition and if i'm lucky tonight if get 2 or 3 channels, max, pixellating and halting -- providing i hold up the plugged in rabbit ears and twist like a weather vane. What is this, the 50s again? IF and when i briefly get an image it's crisp hd. And then gone again. Shouldn't the digital signals from the tv stations be strong enough that my stupid antenna can pick them up??? Totally po'ed. It's for my kid's room; just want a basic tv in there. Damn you Mr. Farnsworth.

[Eric Deggans]

JS - try tlling your set to scan again for channels. they probably changed frequencies in the DTV switch.

If you see the fourth point in my blog post, i talk about the changing frequencies there...

[JS]

Just got home from work @ 8:30PM and checked reception on my Samsung HDTV.

I have been receiving DTV over the air since 2007. Tonight, I have no DTV channel 44 WTOG, no DTV channel 3 WEDU, and no DTV channel 38. I have been receiving these channels fine for the last two years with rabbit ears. What happened?

[Jeff (another one)]

@Stacy, I'm hoping you are joking.

@Waiting to See, I give you a 4/10 on the troll scale. Just a little too obvious.

[Mark]

Stacy at 8:56 am: "The government did not do a good job notifying business and industry."

So did NO ONE from your facility pay any attention at all to the messages on every station for the last year or so? What made you think that if the change was taking place in your homes that it WOULDN'T have an effect in your facility as well?

Maybe you and Waiting to See should get in on that class-action lawsuit. There's some lawyer probably weasly enough to take the case.

[Lyndon]

@Waiting to See
Rhetorically of course but, do you think that there should be a class-action against the computer industry for the downfall of typewriters? That's progress, my friend.

"and you know it is the poor who will be hit hardest because they’d have cable if they weren’t poor)."
No, it's the ignorant and the stupid who will be hit the hardest because they pay zero attention to the world around them. I'm a poor college student, but can afford $9.99 a month for basic cable.

"1- I am under the distinct impression, based on expert advice and also anecdotally, that the chances are good that I will not get all signals, the quality will be inconsistent, or it just won’t work at all."
Have you actually borrowed a box from your "expert" friends to test it out?

[Jeff]

Think the government and the TV stations have done a good job letting everyone know. I've known for well over a year, though I have cable so it is irrelevant for me.

[Dawn Vohsen]

From the Missouri (St. Louis)side of the US: Got a digital TV for living room with outside antenna hookup (inside bldg. antenna--not changed to UHF--same old one)--got all digital channels available on this TV. Used converter box to hook up old VCR--can now tape one program at a time thru the converter box only--if you want another channel to tape, you'd better be around to change the converter box to another channel--it will never again utilize the Sony VCR capability of switching channels for you--what wonderful technology this is (hah). The little TV in another room sometimes cuts out on various channels, you never know which ones it will be--it is on an antenna split from the main TV. If you rescan, maybe you'll get the same channels back, maybe you won't. Who knows. Try it at different times to see what you get. Again, this is advanced technology????? Why don't the TV stations put various boosters around the area? Woe be to you if you are down a hill, next to a tall building, or even next to heavy foliage trees. You won't get a digital signal without spending a whole bunch of money to correct the situation--that is, if you are in a location that you CAN correct this problem. You may not be (out in the country). This is one way for our already paid-for, free airwaves be denied to those who shouldn't have to pay for a cable connection. My theory now is that I should spend more time reading anyway and getting out in nature!

[Laura]

Thank you fo providing great information to the community about the transition Eric! This is a monumentous change for the industry - and your frequent pieces about it have helped us educate our viewers. While, at times, advances in technology are hard to grasp, I believe we will all enjoy what DTV has to offer the future of television.

Laura Turner Fage
VP, Communications
WEDU - PBS TV, Tampa

[Waiting to See]

I live in NYC. I haven’t bothered with the digital converter for my (only 6 years old) TV for the following reasons:

1- I am under the distinct impression, based on expert advice and also anecdotally, that the chances are good that I will not get all signals, the quality will be inconsistent, or it just won’t work at all.
2- Even if it does work- why should I have to shell any money out of my own pocket for this converter? I know the coupon will pay for $40 of the expense, but why should I pay for anything above that? The signal is changing through no fault of my own- I haven’t done anything wrong- I feel this is an unfair burden on those who can least afford it (and you know it is the poor who will be hit hardest because they’d have cable if they weren’t poor).
3- I do feel, obviously, that there is an reasonable expectation that broadcast TV should be a free and open public resource.
4- I am hoping a class action suit (for people who feel as I do, or who may have other reasons) is filed against the FCC.

[kathy]

I've been watching every channel digitally since January, but can't get a digital signal for Channel 8 even after this morning's switch. So long, NBC!

[Eric Deggans]

Who are you? Where are you?

[Stacy]

Our entire facility went off the air with 4 channels last night. The government did not do a good job notifying business and industry.