Having trouble with your Digital TV (DTV) signal reception?

Digital TV is here.  But if yours arrives via a converter box and antenna, the channel signals may come and go.  Unlike before ─ when you tolerated a fuzzy picture or a little static ─ with Digital TV when the signal is good, it’s very, very good; and when it’s bad, it’s non-existent.

Will it help to shake the box?  Probably not, though it might make you feel better.  Instead, try these simple steps courtesy of the Troubleshooting Guide at www.dtv.gov/iguide.htm.  They brought back missing channels at my house.

First, perform a scan.  I thought when you scanned initially to set up service, you were done.  You would never have to scan again.  I assumed that when a channel quit coming in, it was only temporary; surely, it would show up again if it could.  Well, apparently, you should rescan if you suddenly lose a digital channel, as the station may have moved to a different channel location.  You should also scan periodically to make sure that you are receiving all of the channels that are available.  Sure enough, I scanned, and five channels reappeared.

However, if rescanning doesn’t work, the next focus is the antenna.  The guidelines have separate steps depending on the type of antenna you have.  For my rabbit ears, I had no idea that digital TV reception can often be improved by changing the location of the antenna, “even as little as a few inches.”  And, they note that you should move the antenna slowly as digital TV tuners need a little time to properly detect the signal.  Then rescan for available signals if you are still missing channels.

The guidelines continue step by step, addressing every aspect that contributes to reception.  Check it out.  Meanwhile, here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Perform a rescan if you suddenly lose a digital channel that you had previously received.
• Scan periodically to make sure that you are receiving all of the digital channels that are available in your area.
• If you use a converter box, you will still need to use an antenna to receive DTV signals.
• DTV reception can be affected by nearby moving vehicles, as well as their shadows.   Who knew?  To improve reception, try moving or re-orienting your antenna.
• You can also minimize the effects of high winds or storms by re-orienting your antenna to obtain the strongest available signal.