On Wednesday, October 1 at 9:30 p.m., tune in to Channel 9 for Get Ready for Digital TV. The crew from This Old House will offer DTV how-to guidance and tips to help you prepare for the upcoming switch to digital television which takes place in February 2009.
For more information and resources about the digital TV transition, click here.
Kevin O'Connor and Norm Abram from This Old House
We’re ready for DTV, but is KETC? KETC’s is one of the weakest signals in the region; our reception is spotty at best, despite being located in the city.
Does KETC have any plans to improve its coverage?
Soon after the February DTV transition takes place, KETC will increase the height of its digital antenna approximately 100 feet. This should help viewers in fringe areas receive stronger signals through bypassing terrain issues like very tall trees and buildings.
I encourage you to visit http://www.antennaweb.org, enter your exact address and see what type of antenna they recommend for good reception of digital Channel 9. Depending on where you are, a stronger antenna might be necessary (even though you didn’t need it before) due to interference from other signals in the area. While the VHF analog signal could process the interference, UHF can not and instead displays a black screen or pixelates frequently. If you’re getting KETC at all, adjusting the position or adding an amplifier to your antenna could be the added boost you need to stabilize the picture.
You might also try moving your TV and antenna near a window with a clear view out. My personal experience has been that I can’t get Channel 2 unless I have the blinds pulled up. A bit odd, yes, but reception truly varies from home to home based on the conditions.
In any case, we are constantly reading, researching and watching case studies like Wilmington, NC to see what we might do better and I appreciate you taking the time out to voice your concern.