DTV Info: Especially for WETA Viewers

Reception problems

Since the June 12 digital transition, some viewers locally and around the country are experiencing reception problems. In some cases, viewers who were receiving WETA's or other local signals just fine prior to June 12 now report that they are having trouble receiving certain television channels.

If you are one of those viewers, what can you do?

• If you are an over-the-air viewer with a converter box, make sure that your antenna can receive both UHF and VHF signals (WETA is on the UHF spectrum). A VHF antenna is the classic "rabbit ears" contraption; a UHF antenna is a circle.
• In addition, rescan and "double-rescan". If you tried rescanning your TV tuner or converter box and it didn't work, the next option, recommended by the FCC, is to double-rescan. How is that done? Disconnect the antenna from the box or TV and rescan. Then, turn off the box or TV and turn it back on. Connect the antenna and scan one more time. This procedure can replace incorrect channel information saved in the box or TV memory.
• You may also want to review information about antenna reception.
• The FCC's DTV Call Center is available to answer your questions at 1-888-225-5322.

Where can I fnd help?

If you'd like assistance with installing a converter box or other issues related to the digital transition, please contact the following for one-on-one help:

• FCC DTV Call Center
  One of the best sources of information is the FCC's DTV Call Center. You can reach them toll-free at 1-888-CALL FCC (888-225-5322).
• Hispanic Information and Telecommunications Network, Inc.
  1736 Columbia Rd, NW, Washington, DC., phone: 202-957-8767. This walk-in facility offers assistance in both English and Spanish.
• Black Center & Caucus on Black Aged
  Daniel Wilson, phone: 202-637-8400
• Medical, Laboratory & Technology Consultants, LLC
  Republic Place Building, 1776 I St NW, Suite 920, Washington, DC
  Phone: 202-590-6910
  Open Fridays, June 26 - July 31, 4-8 pm; Saturdays & Sundays, June 27 - July 26, 10 am to 4 pm

Additional information

Where do I find WETA’s DTV channels?

The following chart shows which channel numbers to tune to to find us over the air via antenna, and on cable and satellite services.

Note that WETA’s channel numbers on cable and satellite are determined by those providers and can change at any time. If you have difficulty finding WETA’s channels, call WETA Audience Services at 703-998-2724 or 888-504-9382. Please see our Channel Guide page for additional information.

Which WETA DTV channels will I receive?

Households that receive WETA’s channels via antenna can see all four of WETA’s channels for free, over the air. All four of WETA's channels are also available to all cable subscribers, including those who have basic cable (please see notes below).

What if I'm a basic-cable subscriber?

Basic-cable subscribers have to pay a monthly rental fee (between $5 and $15) for cable boxes that allow you to receive local broadcasters' additional channels. If you are a basic-cable subscriber and are renting a cable box, you can receive WETA TV 26 on Comcast channel 202 and on Cox channel 802; WETA Create on Comcast channel 265 and Cox channel 800; and the WETA Kids Channel on Comcast channel 266 and Cox channel 801. If you are a basic-cable subscriber and are renting an HD cable box, you'll also be able to receive WETA HD on Comcast channel 220 (in the Washington, DC area) or on Comcast channel 219 (in the Baltimore area) and on Cox channel 726.

Will I have access to WETA Kids programming after June 12?

If you are watching TV over the air via antenna or you subscribe to a cable service, you will be able to view the 24-hour WETA Kids Channel.

If you subscribe to satellite service or a basic-cable tier without a cable box, you will not receive the WETA Kids Channel, but you can view WETA Kids programming in the mornings on WETA TV 26. Many kids shows can also be watched anytime online through our PBS Kids Go! video and game player.

I'm a Comcast subscriber and I used to be able to receive WETA but no longer. What happened?

Comcast Cable recently changed their channel lineup. If you live outside of the Washington, DC area, particularly in one of the areas listed below, and do not have a Comcast cable set-top box, you may have trouble finding WETA TV 26.

The set-top box is free from Comcast — please call them to get the box installed. You should then be able to receive WETA on Channel 26 and will also receive WETA Create and the WETA Kids Channel.

The following counties are affected by the recent change:

• In Maryland: Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Baltimore City, Carroll, Dorchester, Garrett, Harford, Howard, Queen Annes, Talbot, Wicomico
• In Pennsylvania: Adams, Bedford, Cumberland, Franklin, Huntingdon
• In Virginia: Albemarle, Augusta, Orange, Rockingham

Possible service loss notice

The FCC requires stations to post the following notice. After the June 12 transition to all-digital broadcasting, some viewers who use an antenna to watch TV may not be able to receive WETA's signals over the air. To find out if your household will be affected, please see the FCC's coverage change map (PDF). You may also check DTV.gov's reception map, which indicates the expected signal strength of different stations by zipcode.

Please contact the FCC's DTV Call Center for additional information. You can reach them toll-free at 1-888-CALL FCC (888-225-5322). The TTY number is 1-888-TELL-FCC.

Bottom line: Are you ready for DTV?

Cable and satellite subscribers are DTV-ready.

If your household receives TV signals via antenna on an older analog TV, you must make changes for DTV. Learn how on our DTV: Are You Ready? page.