Solutions to common problems
Problem: The signal cuts out.
Solution: Try using the converter box's signal meter function to determine the best position for your antenna. If this does not solve the problem, you may need to get a better antenna. In most cases, a rooftop antenna will provide better performance than an indoor antenna. Make sure to buy an antenna that receives both VHF and UHF, because digital stations will be broadcasting on both bands beginning next year. Check www.antennaweb.org for more information on selecting an antenna.
Problem: A channel is missing.
Solution 1: Using the signal meter function described above, tune to a channel that does come in and find the best antenna position. Then do a new channel scan, which will hopefully find the missing channel.
Solution 2: Enter the digital channel number for the missing station from the chart below. If the station is coming in, the receiver will remap it to the station's traditional analog channel number. You may then need to use the menu to add the station to the list of channels stored in the receiver.
If neither solution works, you may not be able to receive the digital channel in your area. Check the FCC digital coverage maps at the bottom of this page.
Problem: There are wavy lines on the picture from the converter box.
Solution: If your converter box is set to put out a signal on channel 3, it is likely receiving interference from KDLH's analog broadcast. Use the converter box's menu options to change the output to channel 4. Another option is to use the audio/video connections, if your TV has an audio/video input.
Channels which may continue analog broadcasts
For now, the digital conversion is only mandatory for full-power broadcast TV stations. The following low-power, TV translator, and Canadian channels may continue to operate in analog after 2/17/2009:
Aitkin- 39 (FOX)
Ashland- 45 (FOX)
Bemidji- 28 (ABC), 30 (FOX), 42 (TBN)
Bigfork- 67 (CBS), 69 (NBC)
Big Falls- 60 (NBC), 62 (CBS), 64 (ABC)
Birchdale- 56 (CBS), 58 (ABC), 60 (NBC)
Brainerd- 14 (NBC), 16 (ABC), 48 (FOX), 53 (FOX)
Deer River- 59 (CBS)
Duluth- 58 (TBN)
Grand Marais- 61 (ABC), 63 (CBS), 67 (PBS)
Grand Portage- 55 (ABC)
Grand Rapids- 29 (FOX)
Hayward- 31 (FOX)
Hibbing- 15 (FOX)
International Falls/Fort Frances- 5 (CBC), 15 (SRC), 39 (3ABN), 45 (FOX), 49 (ABC), 51 (CBS), 53 (NBC)
Ironwood- 32 (FOX)
Kabetogama- 65 (ABC), 67 (NBC), 69 (CBS)
Max- 60 (ABC), 62 (NBC)
Northome- 55 (ABC), 57 (NBC)
Orr- 59 (PBS), 61 (CBS), 63 (NBC)
Virginia- 47 (FOX)
Digital coverage maps
The following are FCC estimates of current digital coverage areas in the Northland. Stations may be received at greater distances with larger antennas. Click on the maps for larger images.
KDLH-DT (CBS) | KBJR-DT (NBC)
WDSE-DT (PBS) | WDIO-DT (ABC)
KQDS-DT (FOX) | WIRT-DT (ABC)
KDLH, KBJR, WDSE, WDIO, and WIRT are all planning upgrades which will expand their digital coverage areas in 2009. KQDS is already operating at the maximum-allowed power for digital TV (one million Watts).
