We have been telling you about the ongoing work on our broadcast tower in Laurel, Del. Now that work is almost complete.
At 2 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 1, if you watch our programming with an antenna, you will have to rescan your TVs to be able to continue watching WBOC, FOX21 and WBOC Classics. This does not affect anyone who has a cable provider, DIRECTV or DISH.
To rescan, you will need to find “auto tune,” “program” or “rescan” in the “setup” menu of your TV or converter box remote control.
FAQ*
What’s Happening
Many over-the-air TV channels are changing frequencies to help open up airwaves for new high-speed wireless services. The actual channel number seen by viewers will not change.
Why it Matters
A change in frequency impacts how a channel is received by a TV. Viewers who watch over-the-air television with an antenna will need to rescan their TV set each time a station moves to a new frequency to ensure the TV recognizes the new frequency when tuned to that channel.
Who’s Impacted
Rescanning only applies to consumers who receive their local channels using a TV antenna. Except in rare circumstances, all that’s needed is a simple channel rescan. No new equipment or services are required. Cable and satellite subscribers are not affected.
When to Rescan
At 2 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 1, viewers of WBOC, FOX21 and WBOC Classics will need to rescan their TVs to continue to watch those channels. Viewers may need to rescan more than once.
How to Rescan
Rescanning may also be referred to as auto-tuning, channel set-up, channel scan, channel search, auto-scan, auto-program, or other similar terminology depending on TV make and model. Instructions are similar across the board and typically include these steps:
- Press “set-up” or “menu” on the TV remote 1 control or converter box.
- Select “channels,” “antenna,” or other 2 similar terminology.
- Click “scan,” “auto-tune,” “channel search,” 3 “auto-program,” or other similar terminology.
- The TV will do the rest. The process usually takes just a few minutes.
Where to Get More Information
Visit www.fcc.gov/TVrescan for more details. Viewers who need additional assistance may also contact the FCC call center toll-free by dialing 1-888-CALLFCC (1-888-225-5322).
* FAQ information provided by the FCC.
