Converter Box Coupon Update

Coupon Availability and Replacement Coupons.

Eligible households may continue to apply or re-apply for TV converter box coupons. Applications for coupons are accepted online, by phone at 1-888-388-2009 (1-888-DTV-2009), by mail and by fax. Mailed applications must be post-marked no later than July 31, 2009. Online, phone and fax applications must be submitted by 12 midnight Eastern Time.

It typically takes nine business days to process and mail coupons. If you have applied for coupons, but not yet received them, you may check the status of their by selecting Check Your Application Status.

Appeals for Denied Coupon Applications.

If you have applied for coupons through the Web site and the application is denied, there is a link within the denial message to appeal. Appealing via the Web site is the quickest way for the Coupon Program to process and respond to appeals. You may also appeal by clicking here. If you wish to provide additional detail beyond the space provided, they may submit their appeal in writing or by e-mail.

Coupons Expiration Date and Online and Phone TV Converter Box Ordering Options.

Coupons expire 90 days after they are mailed. The expiration date is printed on the coupon. Even though the last day to apply for coupons is July 31, 2009, consumers can use their coupons at participating retailers until they expire. Converter boxes can be purchased at most national retail stores and some local retailers.
A list of retailers will be included in the envelope containing the coupon. You should call ahead to area retail stores to confirm availability of coupon-eligible converter boxes on the day they plan to shop. To find a participating retailer in your area, go to www.DTV2009.gov/VendorSearch.aspx. Coupon-eligible converter boxes also may be purchased online or by telephone and shipped directly to your home.

Two FCC Tips for Better Reception

“Double Re-scan” Converter Boxes and Digital TVs

As TV stations continue making changes to their signals, the FCC is encouraging converter box and digital TV users who still may be having trouble receiving a digital channel to “double re-scan,” which means clearing out the converter box or TV’s memory by unplugging the antenna, re-scanning the device without the antenna attached in order to clear out the memory, unplugging the box or digital TV, reconnecting the antenna to the device and plugging the unit back in, and then re-scanning. Note that “Double .Re-Scanning” is a more thorough process than simple “Scanning or Re-scanning.”

Double-Check and Relocate Antennas.

To receive the most channels, it is important for consumers to have a “VHF/UHF” antenna and to make sure they place it in a location that allows for the best reception. Click here to read the full FCC consumer advisory.

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Reception Help for WSIU TV Over-The-Air

WSIU-TV Carbondale ceased broadcasting analog over-the-air television on January 29, 2009 and is now broadcasting digital only. If you are having problems receiving WSIU over the air since February 3, 2009, the following guide will help you troubleshoot your WSIU-DT digital 8 reception problems. These instructions are for WSIU-DT Carbondale only. You must have a digital TV set, or analog TV connected to a digital converter box.

Step #1 -- Antennas
You must now have a VHF antenna for WSIU-DT. Prior to February 3, WSIU-DT broadcast on UHF channel 40. Channel 40 was loaned to us by the government during the DTV transition over the past two years while we still broadcast on analog 8 (which we ended on 1/29/09). On February 3, 2009, WSIU-DT changed digital channels from UHF channel 40 to the original vacated VHF channel 8. Check the antenna information section below for more information.

Step #2 -- Channel Scan
Rescanning of converter boxes or digital TV’s is required after WSIU-DT changed from digital UHF channel 40 to digital VHF channel 8 on Feb 3rd. Check your TV or converter box manual for instructions. If rescanning does not work then try Step #3.

Step #3 -- Reset
Some converter boxes or digital TV's will need to be reset (by button, menu, or powering down for a few minutes) to erase all previous WSIU information and allow the rescan to work properly. Unplug the digital TV or converter box for a few minutes, plug it back in and then do a channel scan again (step#2). You may have to do this several times before it works. Lastly, if the above fails, you may be able to force a system reset by starting a channel scan and unplugging the TV or converter box while it is scanning. Wait five minutes, plug it back in, and then rescan for channels (step#2).

Antenna Information
(For WSIU- you must have a antenna capable of receiving VHF signals.)

If using an Indoor antenna:

• be sure to extend the “rabbit ears”
• rotate the antenna a quarter turn and rescan again if you are unsuccessful finding WSIU-DT the first time. Repeat this process again if needed.
• try placing the antenna closer to a window for better results
• be aware that aluminum siding may affect indoor antenna VHF reception

If using an Outdoor antenna:

• for best results, your antenna should be pointed at our transmitter located at near Du Quoin, IL
• if your cables are old they may be a problem- RG6 is the preferred type

You may find some indoor antennas work better than others. Also beware of antenna which are advertised as “HDTV Ready”. Sometimes they are UHF only. It is important that the antenna is designed to receive VHF television channels also. The antenna that you previously used to receive analog channel 8 is ideal.