DTV Reception Tips

To receive these channels, you will need to re-scan! 

• Since our digital signal moved from UHF Channel 38 to its new permanent frequency on VHF Channel 13, you need to re-scan your digital TV tuner or converter.
• The FCC recommends that if you are having difficulty receiving any of the over-the-air digital television signals, you should "double re-scan" your digital converter box or digital television set.  Follow these five steps:
  1.  Disconnect your antenna from the converter box or digital TV.
  2.  Re-scan the converter box or digital TV without the antenna connected. (This will clear out the pre-June 12 channels.)
  3.  Unplug the converter box or digital TV from the electrical outlet for at least one minute.
  4.  Reconnect the antenna to the converter box or digital TV and plug the unit back into the electrical outlet; and
  5.  Re-scan the converter box or digital TV a second time to ensure that a "double re-scan" takes place. (Make sure that you select the "Full Channel Re-scan" and not the "Add Channel" option.
• Your on-screen program guide will continue to display our signal as 12.1, 12.2 and 12.3 once you have acquired the new frequency.

If you aren’t receiving the Channel 12 signal (your screen is black or blue or you get a no signal or weak signal message), we recommend the following:

• Check all of your connections.
• Make sure your antenna is VHF capable.
• Even if you have received a good channel 12 signal in the past, it may be necessary to adjust or upgrade your antenna. An adjustment of just a few degrees can make a big difference. Our main transmitter is located on Squaw Mountain, just southwest of Evergreen. Most other stations are on Lookout Mountain near Golden. After moving the antenna, you may need to run the full channel scan function again on the converter box or digital TV.
• If you have more than one TV connected to a single antenna, try disconnecting all but one of them and then perform a full channel re-scan.  If you are not able to acquire channel 12 and other available local channels, you may need to purchase an inexpensive RF or TV amplifier and place it in front of the splitter.
• You may need to try different antenna locations in your home, including placement near a window, as high in a room as possible and/or away from other electronic equipment.  If all of the above does not provide reception, you may want to use a rooftop antenna or upgrade an existing antenna to potentially provide better reception.
• Learn more about antennas, including placement.

If you are receiving the Channel 12 signal, but it pixelates or has other problems, try these troubleshooting tips:

• Adjust your antenna. Even a small shift of a few degrees can make a big difference.
• Consider purchasing an inexpensive RF or TV amplifier.
• Make sure your antenna connectors are good. Sometimes it’s necessary to disconnect and re-reconnect both ends of the cable to remove oxidation. This is especially true for outdoor and attic antennas.
• Learn more about antennas, including placement.

If you need additional assistance in troubleshooting reception problems for Channel 12, please visit our DTV Resources page to see a number of free help options.