Updated: Monday, 12 Jan 2009, 1:28 PM CST
Published : Tuesday, 06 Jan 2009, 4:44 PM CST
GREEN BAY - Some people are experiencing difficulty receiving FOX 11's digital signal over the air or loosing the digital picture intermittently throughout the day. Here's a brief explanation why and what FOX 11 is doing to correct the problem.
1. When the FCC assigned digital channel positions, WLUK was assigned Channel 51. Simply put, the higher the channel number the more difficult it is for viewers to receive a strong signal. We are at full power but not reaching everyone as easily as some of the other channels. In the analog world you may get a fuzzy picture that is acceptable. In the digital world there is no fuzzy picture. It's either a great picture or no picture.
2. We are currently broadcasting our digital signal from a leased tower that is a few miles from the other towers located on Scrays Hill near DePere.
3. If you receive FOX 11 over the air, the type of antenna being used could make the above issue worse. To get a good digital reception you may need an antenna on your roof that is VHF/UHF compatible. Check with a local antenna expert for advise.
4. If you are receiving FOX 11 via DISH Network or Direct TV, you may also be experiencing the same problems. DISH and Direct TV take our signal over the air (via antenna) send it to their satellite and then to you.
Now the the good news!
When the DTV transition takes place (currently scheduled for February 17) FOX 11 will be moving from a leased tower to our current analog tower. We will be using our state-of-the-art Harris transmitter instead of the current transmitter which has been giving us problems. At the same time we will be moving from UHF Ch 51 back to VHF Ch 11. This will give us a signal that is easier to receive and much more reliable. We eagerly await the day and time we can make this transition.
On February 18 you will need to rescan your digital converter box or your digital TV to lock in on channel 11. Channel 51 will no longer be in use.