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.