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WHEC-TV Digital TV Transition

The change that occurred on June 12th

Until June 12th WHEC-TV was transmitting its DTV signal on UHF channel 58 (although digital TV's and DTV converter boxes identified it as "channel 10.1" or channel 10.2").  On the transition day, June 12th, WHEC-TV was required to turn off the UHF channel 58 digital transmitter and turn on a VHF channel 10 digital transmitter.  For this reason, it was necessary to rescan digital converter boxes or digital televisions after June 12.  Doing so allows the converter box or digital television to ‘find’ the channel change. 

If you were getting WHECs digital signal (10.1 and 10.2) prior to June 12th but cannot receive it now (and have rescanned your converter box) either the antenna needs to be adjusted or you need a UHF/VHF antenna.

Reception issues:

VHF/UHF antenna
To receive digital TV signals from all stations, it is important that your antenna be able to receive both VHF channels and UHF channels because the Rochester stations are broadcasting on both UHF and VHF channels.  If you are able to receive 21, 31 and 8 (note that channel 8’s digital signal is actually in the UHF band) it indicates that your antenna is likely a UHF only antenna.

Please note that using a cheap outdoor antenna will always be superior to an expensive indoor antenna.

Optimize the position of the antenna
For some reception issues (where the stations break-up periodically), all that may be needed is to find the optimal location for the antenna.  Many of the converter boxes and new digital televisions have signal strength meters that can be used to find the optimal location for the antenna. 

Check your owner’s manual to locate the signal strength meter.  Generally it will be in the set-up menu (accessed by the ‘menu’ button or the ‘setup’ button on the remote control, although at least one manufacturer has a ‘meter’ button on the remote control which accesses the signal strength meter directly).

With the signal strength meter on screen, adjust the antenna direction and location to get the best reception.

Recommended antennas
For a good antenna for indoor locations within 8 miles of the transmitter site (all Rochester full-power TV stations broadcast from Pinnacle Hill, 1156 Highland Avenue, Rochester) one antenna which works well is a Winegard SS-3000.  (The 8 mile limit is just a rule of thumb – depending on your location it may work further out)

If your location is further out you may need an outdoor antenna.  One antenna which works well is a Winegard HD-1080.  This antenna works well for locations within 20 miles of the Pinnacle Hill transmitter site.

Helpful Websites:
www.antennaweb.org
www.fcc.gov/mb/engineering/maps/