Transmission from WUNC, Chapel Hill

You may have seen a recent article published in the News & Observer that mentions a problem UNC-TV has experienced with its transmission from WUNC, Chapel Hill.

As you know, at 11:59 p.m. on Friday, June 12, UNC-TV permanently shut down all of its analog television transmitters at 11 locations across North Carolina as required by the Federal Communications Commission. While this transition has gone smoothly for the vast majority of UNC-TV viewers, some over-the-air viewers of UNC-TV transmitter WUNC, located just south of Chapel Hill, have been experiencing reception problems. This is the result of WUNC being assigned a new channel frequency by the FCC when the transition took place.

Currently WUNC is operating on a temporary antenna at the 740-foot level on the tower. In order to remedy the situation, UNC-TV must first remove the old analog antenna at the top of the tower and install the new digital antenna at the top of the 1300-foot tower. Final work on the WUNC-TV tower will be done by the end of the summer.

This work could not begin until both the WUNC analog and the original WUNC digital antennas were turned off. We had scheduled a crew to begin this work on February 17, 2009, the original analog sign-off date. When Congress delayed the analog sign-off date, the crew had to be rescheduled.

This regrettable situation was unavoidable.

On the positive side, statewide reception of digital from UNC-TV has had few problems.

I thought you might find of interest the information in the article about problems ABC is experiencing.

As we hear from viewers who are having problems, we are reminding them that they will need to rescan their converter boxes periodically until the transition work being done by many broadcasters has been completed.

Of course, we greatly appreciate the patience of our over-the-air viewers during this process.

Regards,

Tom Howe, Director and General Manager, UNC-TV

UNC-TV's Historic Analog Shutoff

Staffer Marc Erikson captured the actual WUNC (channel 4) analog shutoff at 11:59 PM Friday 6/12/09. In the picture below, retired engineer Al McIntyre (Center) shuts off the transmitter he installed over 25 years ago as Wayne Estabrooks (Left) and Kip Campbell (Right) watch.

In it's operating life our analog transmitter was only off the air one time during a power and generator failure.

DTV Answers: Still Not Getting UNC-TV?

On June 12th, UNC-TV along with other North Carolina broadcasters, made the long-awaited switch to Digital television in compliance with the federal mandate. The following is some important information you need to know in order to receive our signal.

If you have already connected your converter box or have a television with a digital tuner and are unable to view UNC-TV, please re-scan your box or television using the MENU button (look for a feature that says “Scan” or “Auto scan”) or SCAN button on your remote or by consulting the instructions. This is the same scanning process you conducted when you first installed your box or television. If you still have a problem after re-scanning channels, look for an UPDATE function and select that. Each converter box and television is different, so you may need to review the instruction manual.

Also, make sure you are using an antenna that covers both the VHF and UHF bands and have connected it properly. You may also need to adjust the position of your antenna to receive our signal.

If you do not yet have a converter box, you will need to purchase one to view UNC-TV on your analog television. Alternatively, you can subscribe to cable or satellite service or purchase a television with a digital tuner.

For more detailed information and instructions, please visit www.dtv.gov or call 1-888-225-5322.

And, as always, thank you for watching and supporting UNC-TV.

June 12 is DTV Transition Day! Two Days and Counting....DTV FAQs

Q: I’m not getting television reception anymore. What happened?
Federal law required all full-power television stations to switch to all-digital broadcasting by June 12, 2009. Since our station is full-power, we are now broadcasting only in the digital format. All viewers who watch television using antennas – either rooftop antennas or indoor antennas like “rabbit ears” – had to upgrade. You can restore reception by purchasing either a converter box or new digital TV set, or by subscribing to cable or satellite. Converter boxes are available at local consumer electronics retailers.

Q: I have a converter box, but I’m not getting any television reception or have lost some channels I was receiving before. What happened?
Try re-scanning your converter box. Some television stations switched channels since you first scanned, and you should re-scan your converter box to make sure you’re getting all the digital TV signals out there. You may also need to adjust your antenna or even get a new antenna (see answer below).

Q: I have a digital TV set, but I’m not getting any television reception or have lost some channels I was receiving before. What happened?
First, check your owner’s manual to make sure your TV set really is a digital TV set by seeing if it has an “ATSC” digital tuner in it. If your set does have an ATSC tuner, when you scroll through you should see channels with a number plus a dash or a period. For example, channel 4 would become channel 4.1 or 4-1. If you see periods or dashes, your TV set has an ATSC tuner and is digital, in which case you should try re-scanning for channels. You may also need to adjust your antenna or even get a new antenna (see answer below). However, if your TV only has an NTSC tuner, that means your TV set is not a digital TV set and you will need a converter box. Remember, not all flat screen television sets are digital – some of the older flat screen sets only have NTSC tuners.

Q: I have a converter box or digital TV set and have tried rescanning for channels, but I can’t receive one or more channels, including yours, or the picture breaks up or is pixilated on some or all stations. What do I do?
[NOTE: If your station’s signal contour has changed and your digital signal covers a smaller area than your analog signal, your station may receive lots of these questions. Additionally, if your station switched bands from VHF to UHF or vice versa, you need to make sure your viewers have the right VHF, UHF or combination VHF/UHF antenna for the stations in your area.] You should first try adjusting the position of your antenna and the direction it is pointing, and re-scan each time you adjust. Also make sure your antenna is a VHF/UHF antenna, as some “rabbit ears” indoor antennas, or older rooftop antennas can only pick up VHF channels (channels 2-13). If you use an indoor antenna and live far away from our station or in an area where reception is difficult, you may need to purchase an outdoor antenna and mount it as high as possible, preferably on the rooftop. The general rule with antennas is that the higher it is positioned, the greater the chance of receiving good signals. If you have an existing outdoor antenna installed some time ago and it is not receiving the DTV stations satisfactorily, you may need to reposition it or upgrade to a newer model of the right sort for your location. You will need advice from an antenna installer on these items. Get advice on the right sort of outdoor antenna by visiting www.antennaweb.org or by contacting a local antenna
installer [NOTE: Have name or recommended installers available.]

Q: I have a satellite subscription, but I’m not getting local channels any more. What happened?
[NOTE: This answer depends on whether the satellite system offers local programming on satellite in your market and the viewer is subscribed to that service, in which case, nothing should have changed. Viewers who subscribe to satellite services, but use antennas to watch local programming, need to upgrade.] If you pay for local channels in your satellite subscription and you have a problem with reception then you should contact your satellite provider. But if you do not pay for local channels and watch local TV stations with an antenna, you need to upgrade with a converter box or new TV set.

Q: I’m having trouble installing my converter box. What can I do?
First, check the owner’s manual to make sure you’re doing everything right. Make sure you have re-scanned for new channels, as many stations have moved around. Then try adjusting your antenna (see answer above). If you still have trouble with your converter box, we have 1-800 numbers for the top manufacturers, as well as Radio Shack, which may be able to help. [NOTE: See below for numbers.]

Q: I’m still waiting for my coupons to arrive. What should I do?
Visit DTV2009.gov or call 1-888-DTV-2009 to check on the status of your coupon. In some cases, coupons can take several weeks to arrive. If you don’t want to wait, you can check to see if any friends or family members have extra coupons that
you can use. Or you can buy a new TV set or a converter box without the coupon.

Q: How can I get in touch with converter box manufacturers?
Most manufacturers have toll-free support lines, which can be found in the owner’s manual that came with your converter box or TV set. Below is a list of toll-free technical support phone numbers for converter boxes that are selling at top retailers.

Best Buy
Model – Insignia NS-DXA1-APJ $59.99
Technical Support: 1-877-467-4289
Model – APEX DT-250 $59.99
Technical Support: 1-866-427-3946
Circuit City
Model – Zenith DTT901
Technical Support: 1-877-9-ZENITH (936484)
Kmart
Model – Zenith DTT901
Technical Support: 1-877-9-ZENITH (936484)
RadioShack
Model – Digital Stream DTX9950 $59.99
Technical Support: 1-866-706-4367
Model – Zenith DTT901 (price not displayed)
Technical Support: 1-877-9-ZENITH (936484)
Sears
Model – DTV Pal
Technical Support: 1-888-667-0633
Model – Magnavox E175216
Technical Support: 1-800-605-8610
Target
Model – GE Smart Digital Converter Box $60
Technical Support: 1-800-654-8483
Model – Sansonic FT-300A
Technical Support: 1-626-433-1333
Wal-Mart
Model – Magnavox TB100MW9 $49.87
Technical Support: 1-800-605-8610

DTV ACTION ITEMS: REMINDER May 14 Webcast, NEW May 21 Nationwide Analog Shut-off Test, Downloading Latest Spots, Ordering Tapes/DVDs

REMINDER: May 14 Webcast (2:30 p.m. EDT)
NAB will present a live DTV webcast on Thursday, May 14 at 2:30 p.m. (EDT) to review new Web site features, DTV education requirements, research and all the important details that stations need to know prior to June 12. Hosted by NAB Vice President of Digital Television Transition Jonathan Collegio, the first half of the program will discuss all the new features available to viewers through www.dtv.gov with officials from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). NAB Deputy General Counsel Ann Bobeck will also participate in a discussion regarding DTV education requirements and a regulatory checklist for the final days of the transition.

During the second half of the program, Jonathan will be joined by Director of Public Affairs and Marketing of Digital Television Transition Michael DiSerio to review new additions to the NAB Web site, the best broadcast rotation of DTV Action spots and handling critical transition questions from viewers.

As always, we will answer your questions throughout the program. To participate in the May 14 webcast, go to http://www.tvworldwide.com/events/nab/090514/. (Note: The webcast will also be archived for future viewing at www.dtvanswers.com/webcasts.)

NEW: May 21 Nationwide Analog Shut-off Test
The FCC is currently working to organize a nationwide analog soft shut-off test on May 21. The agency recommends that stations conduct three separate tests, at approximately 7:25 to 7:30 a.m., 12:25 to 12:30 p.m., and 6:25 to 6:30 p.m. local time that day, running for approximately two to five minutes. However, there is an understanding that stations may need some flexibility regarding the time of day and length of the test. The FCC is also using this May 21 test day as a training exercise for its DTV call center, and it has staffed up its facilities accordingly.

NAB fully supports this initiative and encourages stations to participate in a test on that day, if at all technically feasible, to attract attention to the fast-approaching June 12 transition date. For stations that plan to conduct a test(s), we now have a spot that stations can run during the test period. The looped video, with simulated color bars in the background, addresses affected viewers with scrolling information and directs them to contact 1-888-CALL-FCC or www.dtv.gov for further assistance. This video, along with an updated analog shut-off test checklist and sample slate language can be downloaded at www.dtvanswers.com/shutofftest.

Please also consult with your state broadcast association about your station’s test plans.

Downloading DTV Action Spots
The newest spots are all available to download through an FTP server. They include:

* Fully produced "Hooking Up Converter Box" spot
* Fully produced "Antenna" spot
* Fully produced "Rescanning" spot
* Fully produced "Countdown" spots
* Fully produced "How to Upgrade" spot

Links to download all spots, along with scripts, are available at www.dtvanswers.com/actionspots.

(**Note: In the past, some stations did have technical issues with the closed captioning getting stripped from the spots when they were dumped into editing systems. Please have traffic managers/producers check to make sure that the captioning is still present before these spots are placed in rotation.**)

Ordering Tapes/DVDs of Spots and 30-Minute Program
NAB is unable to fulfill requests for tape and/or DVD copies of the latest spots and new 30-minute program. Tape dubs can be ordered through our authorized provider, Video Labs. The cost is approximately $40-50 per tape, plus shipping. Contact information is listed below. If Anna Greene is unavailable, you can also ask for Valerie Yoscak or Mary Price.

Anna Greene
Video Labs
(301) 217-0000
agreene@videolabs.net

Please forward this notice to all other interested parties at your station. If you have any questions, please email Mike DiSerio or call (202) 429-5493.

Sincerely,

Jonathan Collegio
Vice President
Digital Television Transition

FCC improves DTV Web site

CNET News by Marguerite Reardon
April 21, 2009

The Federal Communications Commission has revamped its DTV transition Web site in the hopes it can help more consumers prepare for the transition to digital television.

Democratic FCC Commissioner Jonathan Adelstein unveiled the new site Monday at the National Association of Broadcasters' conference in Las Vegas. The primary purpose of the redesigned site was to make it more "consumer friendly." For example, the site includes a tool to search for local retailers selling converter boxes. It also has a quick tutorial on installing converter boxes and provides shopping information about the different products. And it provides tips for improving reception or troubleshooting reception issues.

Adelstein, who is expected to leave the commission soon for a post at the Department of Agriculture, has long supported the idea of a more coordinated education effort around the DTV transition.

Click here to read more.

Getting Ready for Digital Television...Continues!

Congress voted to move the DTV deadline to June 12th. DTV is already available in most cities and some stations will move to all-digital before June, so make sure you, your friends and your family get ready for DTV today.