Local electronic stores answer questions after DTV switch Save Email Print
Posted: 2:58 AM Jun 17, 2009
Last Updated: 4:07 AM Jun 17, 2009
Reporter: Lauren Davis
Email Address: Lauren Davis

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KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) -- Many people are still having issues with the digital television switch.

Volunteer TV News talked to engineers and local electronic stores on Tuesday to find out what other options you might have if your digital converter box isn't working.

June 12th, 2009 was the digital D-Day. Even though it has come and gone, many questions remain.

"It's been pretty consistent with people calling in and asking why they're not receiving the channels they were before," said Zach Edwards, a Best Buy employee.

WVLT-TV’s transmitting antenna is located atop “Tower Lonsdale,” a 1, 352 foot tall candelabra-topped tower located on Sharp’s Ridge. It is currently listed as the world’s 121st tallest structure.

Many of the people experiencing problems with the WVLT signal live great distances from Tower Lonsdale.

"Most of them are in Dandridge, Sevierville, Morristown, Jefferson City,” said Doug Stallard, WVLT-TV’s chief engineer. “They think they can pick up with rabbit ears."

Due to the DTV conversion, rabbit ears will no longer work without a converter box. Once you have a box, there are still steps you need to take to make it function properly.

"You have got to keep scanning,” said Edwards. “Keep scanning and keep scanning until you get the channels."

If you have tried that and it still doesn't work, you may need to look for a more powerful solution.

"They're going to have to get an outdoor antenna,” said Stallard. “We're still looking for a good source for those."

One source is Best Buy. A 30 to 35 mile range antenna will cost about $80, a 50 mile range antenna is about $100 dollars and a 65 mile range antenna runs $150. Otherwise, you may have to buy a new television.

"If they don't want to deal with converter box and they don't want to deal with getting a new antenna,” said Edwards, “so they buy new digital TV."

If you can't afford a new television, make sure the converter box is connected correctly, scan for channels, and then try an outdoor antenna.

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Posted by: steve Location: knoxville on Aug 29, 2009 at 12:47 AM
why would a private business give you anything for free John? Everyone with a car has to use gas, should pilot give you that for free? The gov't ( all of us) already gave 2 conv boxes to anyone who asked. Your cable company has to pay the local broadcaster to carry the signal even though they are forced to carry it via govt "must carry" rules. How long can anyone stay in business being forced to buy a product and then giving it away?

Posted by: Don Location: Dandridge on Jun 22, 2009 at 04:36 PM
DTV is a disaster for us in Dandridge. I have a new (correctly installed antenna) with a rotator and anew DTV. It still isn't working. Rain and wind destroy the TV watching experience but I will quit watching TV before I go to Direct or Dish. Cable is not an option. It is unavailable. I do get Tri City stations better than Knoxville.

Posted by: John Location: Knoxville on Jun 17, 2009 at 07:28 AM
personally I would hate to give up my cable tv and am perfectly paying for that, so no need for a DTV box. However, I think it is unfair they are forcing people to make all these purchases just to recieve local channels. Since everyone is being forced to move to digital tv it would be nice if the cable companys would at least offer local only programming for free. A lot of people like my folks can't afford the extra expenses for the new equipment.

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