Don’t forget the double rescan

We’ve had some calls come in from people who haven’t received KETC/Channel 9 since we worked on our broadcast tower. The majority of these reception problems were resolved by using the “double rescan” procedure. It only takes a few minutes. Here’s how to do it:

1. Disconnect your antenna from your TV or converter box. Perform a full channel scan while it is disconnected. This should yield zero channels.

2. Reconnect your antenna to your TV or converter box. Perform a full scan once more. This should bring all available channels back.

You can also try inputting channel 39 (instead of 9), which is where our digital signals are sent. If these options don’t work for you, make sure your antenna is positioned correctly by consulting www.antennaweb.org.

Update: Tower Work is complete

KETC completed work on its tower on Saturday, August 1 at approximately 3:30 a.m. The broadcast tower, located at Highway 55 and Butler Hill Rd., is now operating at full FCC-licensed power and height.

Channel 9’s Effective Radiated Power (ERP) was increased from 124.6 kW to 142.5 kW and its digital antenna height was increased by approximately 100 ft.

Over-the-air viewers should rescan their digital televisions and/or converter boxes if they are still without Channel 9. If you prefer to manually add KETC to your existing channels, you can do so by entering “39″ into your remote control.

Some antenna adjustment might also be necessary. Please note that KETC’s tower is located at Highway 55 and Butler Hill Rd.–more southerly than most other broadcasting facilities in the region. The FCC’s coverage maps can tell you more about antenna position and signal strength in your specific area.

If you have a question, please contact letters@ketc.org or Channel 9’s digital hotline at (314) 512-9617. To help us better answer your questions, please include your address with zip code.

Expect signal interruption during tower work

If you do not subscribe to cable or satellite and rely on over-the-air signals to watch KETC/Channel 9, you might experience reception dropouts over the next several days as changes are made to the broadcast tower.

The work, scheduled to start this evening, requires KETC decrease transmitting power significantly for up to four days. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

Please check back for more updates.

Last day to apply for coupons is July 31

If you’re still not DTV-ready, it’s not too late. Converter box coupons are still available, but you must request them by midnight on July 31, 2009.

The fastest way to apply is online at www.dtv2009.gov. You may also call the toll free hotline at 1-888-DTV-2009.

Don’t wait any longer. Every household that relies on over-the-air signals to get TV is eligible for up to two coupons, good for $40 off the purchase of a converter box.

For more information, visit www.dtv2009.gov or call KETC’s Digital Television Hotline at (314) 512-9617.

Trade in your unexpired coupon for a free converter box

If you have a valid UNEXPIRED DTV converter box coupon, trade them in for a FREE converter box on July 16 and 17.

The FCC, DISH Network and G2 Communications are working together to help those in the St. Louis area who have not yet made the switch to DTV.

Bring your valid unexpired coupon(s) to either location listed below on July 16 and 17 to receive a converter box free of charge.

Those who sign up for G2’s free converter box installation service will also receive a complimentary indoor antenna at the time of installation.

DTV Coupon-for-Converter Box Locations:

July 16, 2009, 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
East St. Louis City Hall Rotunda, 301 River Park Drive, East St. Louis, IL 62203

July 17, 2009, 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
100 Black Men of Metropolitan St. Louis
4631 Delmar Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63108

Have questions? Contact the FCC’s consumer call center at (888)-CALL-FCC, or G2 Communications at 800-536-8372.

Reception trouble? Try the “double rescan”.

If you’re experiencing difficulty with one or more digital stations, the FCC recommends trying a “double rescan”:

If you are using a converter box or digital television connected to an antenna, simply disconnect the antenna from the box or TV and scan for digital channels. Once the scan is completed, reconnect your antenna and scan for digital channels again.

This process clears the memory of your digital tuner so it can accurately identify the digital stations in your area.

Need DTV Help?

Do you need in-home assistance with installing your DTV converter box? The following Federal Communications Commission contractors and partner organizations may be able to assist you free of charge:

Apollo Industries, LLC: 800-504-5677, ApolloTV@inbox.com. This company will provide this free service to local consumers in Missouri.

G2 Communications: 314-599-3999. This company will provide this free service to local consumers in the Missouri and Illinois areas.

The St. Louis Fire Department and KETC/Channel 9 are still working together to provide in-home installation within the City of St. Louis. For help from the St. Louis Fire Department, consumers can call (314) 512-9617.

The St. Louis Area Agency on Aging is also providing help for consumers with converter box questions. For seniors and disabled individuals over the age of 18 who would like help from the St. Louis AAA, consumers can call (314) 612-5918.

Green Planet Construction: 888-508-1115. This company will provide this free service to local consumers in Missouri and Illinois.

KMAD Business Service, Inc: 866-932-2758. This company will provide this free service to local consumers in Missouri and Illinois.

AVO General Services, LLC: 888-652-9128. This company will provide this free service to local consumers in Missouri and Illinois.

Best Buy Co., Inc.: 277-229-3389. This company will provide this free service to local consumers in Missouri and Illinois.

DTV Walk-In Help Center in Warrenton

If you’re having DTV trouble and live near Warrenton, MO, be sure to drop by Radio Shack at 523 Anwijo Way on Sunday, May 21 for DTV assistance. Reps from the FCC will be on hand all day to take any questions you may have.

DTV Walk-In Help Centers

Having DTV trouble? Stop by either of these help centers and have your questions answered by FCC representatives:

WEDNESDAY, MAY 13
WHAT:
Walk-in DTV Help Center
WHERE:
BENLD PUBLIC LIBRARY
308 E. Central, Benld, MO 62009
WHEN:
11AM-1PM
LOCAL SITE CONTACT:
217-835-4045

——————————————–

THURSDAY, MAY 21

WHAT:
Walk-in DTV Help Center
WHERE:
RADIO SHACK
523 Anwijo Way, Warrenton, MO 63383
LOCAL SITE CONTACT:
636-456-1222

KETC will shut off its analog signal for DTV tests.

In cooperation with the F.C.C, we will participate in the national analog shut-off tests on Thursday, May 21 at 7:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., and 6:30 p.m.  The tests will last 5 minutes.  Sets receiving a digital signal will have no interruption; those that do not will see a graphic telling them how to prepare for DTV.

 

We will also take part in the St. Louis market-wide tests on Thursday, May 28 at 5:25 p.m. and Friday, June 5 at 12:25 p.m. 

If you’re uncertain whether or not you are prepared for the June 12 transition, tune in for any of these DTV tests on Channel 9.

 

We pull the plug on our analog transmitter June 12 at 23:59:59.