If you watch television using an over-the-air digital antenna, you should know that it’s important to periodically rescan your channels to make sure you’re getting all of the programming available.
This is especially important to do right now, since hundreds of channels nationwide are changing their frequencies today.
Digital antenna users should periodically run a rescan on their systems
Television stations that broadcast over-the-air (as opposed to cable or streaming stations) will periodically change their frequencies.
Your TV may not automatically know this is happening, so you need to take action to make sure you’re able to view all of the channels within your range.
The FCC had originally scheduled the frequency changes to take place on September 6, but delayed many of them until September 11 due to the impacts of Hurricane Dorian, an FCC representative confirmed to Clark.com.
So, while you should be rescanning your channels periodically anyway, it is essential that you do it today or sometime soon if you want to keep receiving all of your over-the-air stations.
You can click here to see which stations in your area are affected.
Here are some of the channels that have already changed frequencies or are scheduled to change in Atlanta, Georgia:
How to rescan your channels
Some TVs and converter boxes will scan for channels automatically, but many do not. If your system does not scan automatically, consult your TV or converter box’s instruction manual for how to rescan.
If you don’t have the manual, you may be able to rescan by following these general instructions:
- Press the “Set-up” or “Menu” button on your remote control, converter box or television
- Locate the menu for your digital antenna
- From the menu, select “Scan” or “Auto-tune”
- Once the scan is complete, cycle through the channels to make sure you are receiving the ones you expect to receive
Naturally different television and converter box models will have different specific methods for running a rescan.
If you need further assistance, you can reach the FCC’s call center toll free at 1-888-CALL-FCC (1-888-225-5322). Press “6” to speak to a help desk representative.
The call center is open from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. Eastern time seven days a week.
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