WILL Headlines, News, & Notes
Digital TV Transition
Friday, May 30, 2008
Are you having trouble receiving WILL’s digital signal? Trying to figure out if you need a new antenna? We can help!
WILL-TV ended its analog broadcasts on March 31. However, some stations will continue to broadcast an analog signal until June 12. Here’s a guide to the digital TV transition, with links to more resources.
Will the transition affect you?
√ Yes: If you receive TV signals on an analog TV through an antenna, including outside antennas and rabbit ears, and you do not subscribe to cable or satellite, you will need to take action to keep receiving TV signals.
√ No: If you already have a digital set with a built-in digital tuner or you subscribe to satellite or cable, you will not need to take action.
If you need to take action, what are your options? 1. Keep your existing TVs and purchase a TV converter box for each analog TV in your home. A converter box plugs into your TV, and once connected, your TV will continue to receive free, over-the-air television. 2. Purchase a new television set with a built-in digital tuner, or 3. Subscribe to cable or satellite that carries the channels you want to watch. (Make sure your provider carries WILL!)
I’ve got a converter box, but where’s my WILL?! 1. Make sure your antenna is pointed toward our transmitter in Monticello, not our station in Urbana. 2. If you are still experiencing difficulties, run the auto setup on your converter box. 3. If you still are having problems, readjust your rabbit ears or antenna and rerun the auto setup. 4. Still no luck? Put the Channel 12 designation in manually according to the instructions that come with your converter box. 5. If that doesn’t work, your converter box may be looped through your VCR. Disconnect the two (you may have to unplug the converter box and let it reset for a few moments before plugging it back in). Reconnect the converter box directly to your TV and try Channel 12. 6. If you are still experiencing difficulties, you may need to boost the signal strength with a different antenna. Check antennaweb.org to see if your geographical location may necessitate a new antenna.
How do I get a converter box? Consumers who have not applied for a government-issued TV Converter Box Coupon may still do so through July 31. However, if the funds run out, no more will be allocated. The coupon program is also accepting applications for replacement coupons. If your coupon expired without being redeemed, you can now reapply. The federal government issues up to two converter box coupons (valued at $40 each) per household. Converter boxes cost around $70. To apply for coupons, to learn which retailers will redeem them, or request information in English and Spanish, visit http://www.dtv2009.gov or call 1-888-DTV-2009.
WILL offers three digital channels. Find out more. See some frequently asked questions. WILL-TV values your support. We are here to help you during this transition, so please feel free to contact us with any questions you may have about digital television. For more information: Call: 217-333-7300 Email: (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
