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Digital Television Information
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WSAZ - TV in Charleston-Huntington, West Virginia ceased analog service on February 16, 2009 and turned off its analog transmitter June 12, 2009.
If you are experiencing difficulty receiving our digital signal, try these steps. Re-scan your DTV tuner or converter box to make sure it can find channel 3.1. Adjust your indoor UHF antenna or change its location to improve reception. You may need to upgrade to an outdoor UHF antenna even if you never needed an outdoor antenna before and make sure it's pointed toward Milton, West Virginia. For Information Call 304-697-4780.
To register comments, or for more information concerning the DTV transition, converter boxes, and how you can continue to receive DTV programming in the Charleston-Huntington television market, call the the FCC at 1-888-225-5322 or WSAZ at 304-697-4780. You may also write with your questions about WSAZ or NBC programming to dtv@wsaz.com or to WSAZ, 645 5th Ave, Huntington, WV 25701.
ANTENNA, ANTENNA, ANTENNA... the key to receiving the DTV signal is your antenna. First, it must be a combination UHF/VHF antenna. Many homes have older antennas that are just VHF, which worked great for the lower channel numbers like 3 -- but our DTV signal is actually broadcast on a UHF channel. Regardless of where you live your antennas should be pointed toward Milton, West Virginia and St Albans, West Virginia. That's where the TV transmitting towers are located.
Click here to find the best antenna for your address or Click here Antennapoint.com to find what direction to point your antenna.
Click here to find dates and locations for an FCC Mobile DTV Clinic where they will demonstrate how to hook up a converter box and the choices of indoor and outdoor antennas
Please remember, if you subscribe to cable or satellite service, those TV sets connected to the cable or satellite should be OK. If you are not sure, or you have lost WSAZ service, call your cable or satellite provider to double check. If you have sets that are not connected to the cable or satellite service, those sets will either have to be connected to cable or satellite, or you will need to convert them to receive the new UHF/VHF DTV signals. We have much more information below, including a direct link to the WSAZ Engineering Department where you can ask a specific questions about your situation and links to find out more information about antennas and the government DTV converter box coupons.
Click here for a reception flow chart
Click the flashing DTV graphic below to ask WSAZ Engineers a DTV question abut your DTV readiness, any problems you are having with DTV reception or any DTV related question.
WSAZ offers two full time digital channels of programming. On channel 3.1, you will receive the WSAZ local and NBC High Definition programming. On channel 3.2, you will receive myZtv and the myNetworkTV programming.
With the proper UHF/VHF antenna, you can receive free, over-the-air digital TV with higher picture and sound quality and have more channels of free programming.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS.
For more information about how to receive the WSAZ signal, where to purchase converter boxes or make comments viewers can call 1-877-388-5473. You can also walk into the West Virginia DTV Help Center located at 206 Capitol Street in downtonw Charleston, WV.
Q. What is digital television (DTV)?
A. Digital television (DTV) is a new type of broadcasting technology that is transforming television as we know it. By transmitting information as "data bits" (like a computer) to create a TV set's picture and sound, a digital broadcaster can carry far more information than what analog broadcast technology currently allows. The difference between analog and digital broadcasting is similar to that between compact discs and cassette tapes.
Digital TV offers a better viewing experience with vastly improved picture and sound quality. DTV is also more efficient than analog TV technology, so broadcasters will be able to produce additional channels of programming using digital broadcasting technology.
Q. What do I need to do to now to receive the new digital TV signal?
A. You need to take one of three steps.
1. Subscribe to cable, satellite or other pay TV service that carries the local broadcast stations you want. NOTE: at this time satellite service in the Charleston Huntington market does not offer myZtv, WSAZ’s channel 3-point-2.
2. Purchase a digital-to-analog converter box that plugs into your existing TV set. The boxes, which cost between $40-70, are available for purchase at most electronics retailers throughout our region. Households can request up to two $40 coupons towards the purchase of converter boxes that will allow you to continue watching free "over-the-air" television on an analog set. You can apply for coupons by calling 1-888-388-2009.
3. Purchase a new television set with a built-in digital tuner.
Taking one of these steps ensures that "over-the-air" television consumers will continue to receive programming.
Q. Do I need to purchase a TV converter box that is the same brand as my TV?
A. No, the brand of converter box can be different from that of your TV set.
Q. Can I hook up more than one TV set and video recorder to a single digital-to-analog converter box?
A. No, you will need one digital-to-analog converter box for each TV set or other device (such as a VCR) that only has an analog tuner.
Q. Will I receive closed captioning through a converter box?
A. Yes. Coupon-eligible converter box manufacturers are required to provide closed captioning for display on your television, but the features provided vary by box. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has produced a guide that lists selected features, including closed captioning, for a number of converter boxes. The guide is updated periodically as new converter boxes become available. Available at www.fcc.gov/cgb/consumerfacts/converterboxfeatures.html
Q. After plugging in my converter box, I see black or gray bars on the sides or all the way around my picture. Why doesn't the picture fill up the TV screen?
A. Simply put, your converter box may be having trouble determining the shape of the picture and how to best display it on your existing TV set. Traditional analog TV sets have a square-shaped screen, and some digital programming is still being produced in this shape, which should fill the screen on your TV. However, many digital programs are now produced with widescreen pictures intended for viewing on digital TV sets with wider screens. It is due to these differences in picture shape that creates bars around your picture.
You can remove or reduce the size of the bars by using a button on the converter box remote control that changes the way a picture is displayed. Find the button marked "zoom" or "aspect ratio," and keep pressing it until the picture looks right. You may need to change the setting for different programs. Please note that widescreen programs are meant to have bars on the top and bottom when viewed on a square-shaped screen, but no programs should have bars all the way around the picture.
Q. After plugging in the converter box, I lost my reception. Why did this happen?
A. If you hook up the box and lose signals from full-power stations, the problem is most likely with your antenna. You will need a VHF/UHF antenna (rabbit ears plus a loop antenna) to pick up both digital and analog signals. Depending on where you live and where your TV set is in your house, you may need an outdoor antenna. Check www.antennaweb.org or http://tvfool.com to find out how far the local stations are from your house.
Q. After installing my converter box, I lost some of the channels I used to get. What should I do?
A. After hooking up a converter box to your TV set, or installing a new digital TV set, you will need to scan (also known as "auto-tune") for new channels to make sure you receive all of the digital stations broadcasting in your area. While some boxes do this automatically, you may need to select scan manually.
Q. For what types of situations do I need to rescan?
A. You should rescan your converter box or TV set for channels when installing equipment for the first time, after repositioning or moving an antenna around. Since some digital stations are still coming on air, you may want to consider rescanning on a periodic basis to get all of the digital programming available.
Q. I'm a cable customer. Will I be affected by the transition?
A. Television sets connected to cable, satellite or other pay TV service generally will not require a converter box. Cable subscribers should check with their providers to answer questions about their service.
Q. Do cable customers with analog TV sets have to buy or rent a set-top box (converter box) from their cable company? If so, how much will it cost?
A. First, it's important to know that the deadline for the digital television transition only applies to full-power broadcast stations. The government does not require cable companies to transition their systems to digital. They can continue to deliver channels to their customers using analog signals. Actually, cable companies are required under FCC rules to offer local broadcast stations to their customers in analog, as long as they offer any analog service. This requirement will continue for at least three years after June 12, 2009. The FCC will decide in 2011 whether the requirement should be extended beyond June 12, 2012. This means that customers who receive analog cable service (without a cable set-top box) will be able to continue doing so.
Q. Can I keep my older analog TV set?
A. Yes. A digital-to-analog converter box will allow you to continue using your existing analog TV set to watch over-the-air digital programming. If your analog set is hooked up to a subscription service, such as cable or satellite TV, it should continue to function as before. Analog sets should also continue working with gaming consoles, VCRs, DVD players and similar products that you use now.
Q. How do I know whether my TV set is analog or digital?
A. All television sets manufactured after March 1, 2007 contain a digital tuner. That’s everything from small 12” standard definition sets for your kitchen or work bench all the way up to the big 50+” high definition sets. Look for the ATSC label on the box or back of the television set.
Q. I live in the Kanawha Valley and receive WSAZ on channel 16. What do I need to do to continue to receive WSAZ Charleston on channel 16?
A. WSAZ-Charleston will continue to broadcast our low power UHF signal on analog channel 16. If you live in Kanawha or eastern Putnam County, West Virginia, and receive WSAZ on UHF analog Channel 16, and want to continue to receive WSAZ Charleston UHF channel 16 you will need a special DTV converter box that allows for "Analog Pass Through." Here are some answers to questions you'll need to know before you purchase your DTV converter box:
Q. How do I know if I am watching WSAZ on UHF analog channel 16?
A. If you are watching a WSAZ NewsChannel 3 but tune your analog TV to Channel 16 to receive it.
Q. Will this analog channel 16 convert to digital?
A. Currently WSAZ has no plan to convert analog channel 16 to digital. We will continue to broadcast in analog until required to change by the FCC.
Q. How can I continue to watch WSAZ analog Channel 16 in Kanawha County?
• Review the following options and determine which is best for your household: Keep an analog TV connected to an UHF antenna to view channel 16.
• Purchase a digital-to-analog converter box which has analog pass-through capability; Analog pass-through allows you to watch analog television stations as well as digital television through the converter box.
• Purchase a digital television set; all new television sets on the market can receive both analog and digital stations.
• Subscribe to local cable television from Suddenlink or other pay service which carries the WSAZ Charleston station.
Q. Which converter boxes have analog pass-through?
Many converter boxes offer analog pass-through. Look for “Analog Pass-Through” on the converter box package or ask a clerk in the store.
Q. How do I use a converter box with analog pass-though?
A. You should consult your converter box’s instruction manual to determine how to connect the box for viewing WSAZ Charleston’s analog channel 16 signal.
Q. Will I need a special antenna to receive channel 16's analog signal?
A. You need a UHF antenna, the same type of antenna needed to receive the DTV signals. If you need a new UHF antenna, the following Consumer Electronics Association website provides information to help you choose a UHF antenna to receive the stations you want: www.antennaweb.org.
Q. Many blind and visually impaired people rely on radios that receive TV audio bands. After the transition, those radios won't be able to receive TV broadcasts. How is this being addressed?
A. We're not aware of anyone working on an adapter for this. One option is you could buy a digital converter box and connect just the audio output to an auxiliary input on a radio that has such an input. However, this is a rather cumbersome arrangement, at least for the non-visually impaired, since most converter boxes don't have a display that shows what channel you are tuned to, and navigation would be limited solely to channel up and down keys.
If you are experiencing difficulty receiving our digital signal, try these steps. Re-scan your DTV tuner or converter box to make sure it can find channel 3.1. Adjust your indoor UHF antenna or change its location to improve reception. You may need to upgrade to an outdoor UHF antenna even if you never needed an outdoor antenna before and make sure it's pointed toward Milton, West Virginia. For Information Call 304-697-4780.
To register comments, or for more information concerning the DTV transition, converter boxes, and how you can continue to receive DTV programming in the Charleston-Huntington television market, call the the FCC at 1-888-225-5322 or WSAZ at 304-697-4780. You may also write with your questions about WSAZ or NBC programming to dtv@wsaz.com or to WSAZ, 645 5th Ave, Huntington, WV 25701.
ANTENNA, ANTENNA, ANTENNA... the key to receiving the DTV signal is your antenna. First, it must be a combination UHF/VHF antenna. Many homes have older antennas that are just VHF, which worked great for the lower channel numbers like 3 -- but our DTV signal is actually broadcast on a UHF channel. Regardless of where you live your antennas should be pointed toward Milton, West Virginia and St Albans, West Virginia. That's where the TV transmitting towers are located.
Click the flashing DTV graphic below to ask WSAZ Engineers a DTV question abut your DTV readiness, any problems you are having with DTV reception or any DTV related question.
WSAZ offers two full time digital channels of programming. On channel 3.1, you will receive the WSAZ local and NBC High Definition programming. On channel 3.2, you will receive myZtv and the myNetworkTV programming.
With the proper UHF/VHF antenna, you can receive free, over-the-air digital TV with higher picture and sound quality and have more channels of free programming.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS.
For more information about how to receive the WSAZ signal, where to purchase converter boxes or make comments viewers can call 1-877-388-5473. You can also walk into the West Virginia DTV Help Center located at 206 Capitol Street in downtonw Charleston, WV.
Q. What is digital television (DTV)?
A. Digital television (DTV) is a new type of broadcasting technology that is transforming television as we know it. By transmitting information as "data bits" (like a computer) to create a TV set's picture and sound, a digital broadcaster can carry far more information than what analog broadcast technology currently allows. The difference between analog and digital broadcasting is similar to that between compact discs and cassette tapes.
Digital TV offers a better viewing experience with vastly improved picture and sound quality. DTV is also more efficient than analog TV technology, so broadcasters will be able to produce additional channels of programming using digital broadcasting technology.
Q. What do I need to do to now to receive the new digital TV signal?
A. You need to take one of three steps.
1. Subscribe to cable, satellite or other pay TV service that carries the local broadcast stations you want. NOTE: at this time satellite service in the Charleston Huntington market does not offer myZtv, WSAZ’s channel 3-point-2.
2. Purchase a digital-to-analog converter box that plugs into your existing TV set. The boxes, which cost between $40-70, are available for purchase at most electronics retailers throughout our region. Households can request up to two $40 coupons towards the purchase of converter boxes that will allow you to continue watching free "over-the-air" television on an analog set. You can apply for coupons by calling 1-888-388-2009.
3. Purchase a new television set with a built-in digital tuner.
Taking one of these steps ensures that "over-the-air" television consumers will continue to receive programming.
Q. Do I need to purchase a TV converter box that is the same brand as my TV?
A. No, the brand of converter box can be different from that of your TV set.
Q. Can I hook up more than one TV set and video recorder to a single digital-to-analog converter box?
A. No, you will need one digital-to-analog converter box for each TV set or other device (such as a VCR) that only has an analog tuner.
Q. Will I receive closed captioning through a converter box?
A. Yes. Coupon-eligible converter box manufacturers are required to provide closed captioning for display on your television, but the features provided vary by box. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has produced a guide that lists selected features, including closed captioning, for a number of converter boxes. The guide is updated periodically as new converter boxes become available. Available at www.fcc.gov/cgb/consumerfacts/converterboxfeatures.html
Q. After plugging in my converter box, I see black or gray bars on the sides or all the way around my picture. Why doesn't the picture fill up the TV screen?
A. Simply put, your converter box may be having trouble determining the shape of the picture and how to best display it on your existing TV set. Traditional analog TV sets have a square-shaped screen, and some digital programming is still being produced in this shape, which should fill the screen on your TV. However, many digital programs are now produced with widescreen pictures intended for viewing on digital TV sets with wider screens. It is due to these differences in picture shape that creates bars around your picture.
You can remove or reduce the size of the bars by using a button on the converter box remote control that changes the way a picture is displayed. Find the button marked "zoom" or "aspect ratio," and keep pressing it until the picture looks right. You may need to change the setting for different programs. Please note that widescreen programs are meant to have bars on the top and bottom when viewed on a square-shaped screen, but no programs should have bars all the way around the picture.
Q. After plugging in the converter box, I lost my reception. Why did this happen?
A. If you hook up the box and lose signals from full-power stations, the problem is most likely with your antenna. You will need a VHF/UHF antenna (rabbit ears plus a loop antenna) to pick up both digital and analog signals. Depending on where you live and where your TV set is in your house, you may need an outdoor antenna. Check www.antennaweb.org or http://tvfool.com to find out how far the local stations are from your house.
Q. After installing my converter box, I lost some of the channels I used to get. What should I do?
A. After hooking up a converter box to your TV set, or installing a new digital TV set, you will need to scan (also known as "auto-tune") for new channels to make sure you receive all of the digital stations broadcasting in your area. While some boxes do this automatically, you may need to select scan manually.
Q. For what types of situations do I need to rescan?
A. You should rescan your converter box or TV set for channels when installing equipment for the first time, after repositioning or moving an antenna around. Since some digital stations are still coming on air, you may want to consider rescanning on a periodic basis to get all of the digital programming available.
Q. I'm a cable customer. Will I be affected by the transition?
A. Television sets connected to cable, satellite or other pay TV service generally will not require a converter box. Cable subscribers should check with their providers to answer questions about their service.
Q. Do cable customers with analog TV sets have to buy or rent a set-top box (converter box) from their cable company? If so, how much will it cost?
A. First, it's important to know that the deadline for the digital television transition only applies to full-power broadcast stations. The government does not require cable companies to transition their systems to digital. They can continue to deliver channels to their customers using analog signals. Actually, cable companies are required under FCC rules to offer local broadcast stations to their customers in analog, as long as they offer any analog service. This requirement will continue for at least three years after June 12, 2009. The FCC will decide in 2011 whether the requirement should be extended beyond June 12, 2012. This means that customers who receive analog cable service (without a cable set-top box) will be able to continue doing so.
Q. Can I keep my older analog TV set?
A. Yes. A digital-to-analog converter box will allow you to continue using your existing analog TV set to watch over-the-air digital programming. If your analog set is hooked up to a subscription service, such as cable or satellite TV, it should continue to function as before. Analog sets should also continue working with gaming consoles, VCRs, DVD players and similar products that you use now.
Q. How do I know whether my TV set is analog or digital?
A. All television sets manufactured after March 1, 2007 contain a digital tuner. That’s everything from small 12” standard definition sets for your kitchen or work bench all the way up to the big 50+” high definition sets. Look for the ATSC label on the box or back of the television set.
Q. I live in the Kanawha Valley and receive WSAZ on channel 16. What do I need to do to continue to receive WSAZ Charleston on channel 16?
A. WSAZ-Charleston will continue to broadcast our low power UHF signal on analog channel 16. If you live in Kanawha or eastern Putnam County, West Virginia, and receive WSAZ on UHF analog Channel 16, and want to continue to receive WSAZ Charleston UHF channel 16 you will need a special DTV converter box that allows for "Analog Pass Through." Here are some answers to questions you'll need to know before you purchase your DTV converter box:
Q. How do I know if I am watching WSAZ on UHF analog channel 16?
A. If you are watching a WSAZ NewsChannel 3 but tune your analog TV to Channel 16 to receive it.
Q. Will this analog channel 16 convert to digital?
A. Currently WSAZ has no plan to convert analog channel 16 to digital. We will continue to broadcast in analog until required to change by the FCC.
Q. How can I continue to watch WSAZ analog Channel 16 in Kanawha County?
• Review the following options and determine which is best for your household: Keep an analog TV connected to an UHF antenna to view channel 16.
• Purchase a digital-to-analog converter box which has analog pass-through capability; Analog pass-through allows you to watch analog television stations as well as digital television through the converter box.
• Purchase a digital television set; all new television sets on the market can receive both analog and digital stations.
• Subscribe to local cable television from Suddenlink or other pay service which carries the WSAZ Charleston station.
Q. Which converter boxes have analog pass-through?
Many converter boxes offer analog pass-through. Look for “Analog Pass-Through” on the converter box package or ask a clerk in the store.
Q. How do I use a converter box with analog pass-though?
A. You should consult your converter box’s instruction manual to determine how to connect the box for viewing WSAZ Charleston’s analog channel 16 signal.
Q. Will I need a special antenna to receive channel 16's analog signal?
A. You need a UHF antenna, the same type of antenna needed to receive the DTV signals. If you need a new UHF antenna, the following Consumer Electronics Association website provides information to help you choose a UHF antenna to receive the stations you want: www.antennaweb.org.
Q. Many blind and visually impaired people rely on radios that receive TV audio bands. After the transition, those radios won't be able to receive TV broadcasts. How is this being addressed?
A. We're not aware of anyone working on an adapter for this. One option is you could buy a digital converter box and connect just the audio output to an auxiliary input on a radio that has such an input. However, this is a rather cumbersome arrangement, at least for the non-visually impaired, since most converter boxes don't have a display that shows what channel you are tuned to, and navigation would be limited solely to channel up and down keys.
