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Austin viewers have trouble tuning in Fox 7
KTBC graphic
Since the digital conversion Friday, June 12 some Austin television viewers who previously had no problems viewing Fox 7, KTBC, have found themselves unable to attain the station’s signal. These viewers primarily use antennas and converter boxes to receive the new, federally-mandated digital transmissions.
KTBC’s Web site has a graphic explaining the problem: prior to June 12, the station’s analog antenna was 1,040 feet tall. Since beginning its digital broadcast, Fox 7 has been broadcasting on a temporary digital antenna at 400 feet and 37 kw. In a few weeks (no firm date has been provided) a new antenna will reach 1,070 feet, outputting 72 kw of signal strength.
According to KTBC General Manager Mark Rodman, this was due to the station’s FCC designation as a “phased transition station.” Since Fox 7’s signal was being transferred from one digital frequency to another (the station fired up their digital signal some time ago) the FCC gave KTBC a temporary digital broadcasting authorization with lower power.
Rodman admits that Fox 7 has received many calls from upset and confused viewers, but says these viewers have largely responded with “goodwill and understanding” when learning that the problem is temporary.
“We’ll be ready for the Cowboys’ home opener,” he promised.
In the meantime, KTBC says the following 4 steps have helped some viewers recapture the station’s signal:
1. Disconnect the antenna from your converter box or digital-ready TV
2. Rescan the converter box or TV set
3. Reconnect the antenna
4. Rescan one more time
KTBC suggests viewers check in at the Fox 7 Web site for progress updates and rescan every few days until their full power signal is restored.
The station’s digital television hotline number is (512) 495-7790 and their email is news@fox7.com.
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By Alan
June 24, 2009 11:26 PM | Link to this
It also sucks that they made this change on the night of a severe thunderstorm with hail and tornadoes...at least up here in Leander. I assumed that the UHF component of antenna on our roof was damaged by the hail, since only KTBC-7 was affected.
I wish Fox had given some notice. I was about tech support for our Philips antenna. Had the email all typed up. Checked the KTBC site on a last second hunch, and found this blog...
By Winchester
June 22, 2009 8:15 AM | Link to this
Funny, 42 & 7 are the only channels I always recieve; 24 comes and goes, 18 & 36 don't come in at all.
By Jay
June 21, 2009 7:49 PM | Link to this
Same here. Out near Pedernales Falls State Park, too many ridgelines between me and Austin to pick up a 400 foot signal. Thanks for the heads-up guys. Call me when you get it back up to 1070 ft.
By Claudine
June 21, 2009 7:25 PM | Link to this
I miss you FOX. All my favorite programs are on FOX. How could you do this to your loyal viewers? How did you not know about this problem? How?
By PvilleSuddenlink
June 21, 2009 10:42 AM | Link to this
I don't even use a converter box/antenna. I am a cable user (Suddenlink) and I am having issues with FOX! Getting pixelated pictures at least every 30 seconds during a program. It is extremely frustrating. Suddenlink came out to check my cable but not an issue w/ the cable, it's an issue w/ the signal. I thought the change over would only affect NON-cable users....
By Soauman
June 20, 2009 9:29 PM | Link to this
To think everyone was concerned that many households would not be ready for the switch so the switch was delayed. Even with the delay, a major broadcast station is not ready. Must have been waiting for their portion of the bailout?? This was the only station I had trouble tuning in and went through 3 antenna's before I could get a clear signal on Fox. Spent 30 bucks more for an antenna than needed because their signal is low output and low on the tower... Thanks for letting you viewer's know in advance they would have problems FOX. Would have been very nice!!!