Q & A Tip of the Week: DTV Conversion Approaches

Yes, the transition to digital television was delayed last February, but the rescheduled date is just days away. With June 12 fast approaching, most people with analog sets who get their TV broadcasts over the air already know they need to get a converter box for the analog TV (or a new digital TV) to see the new signals. But getting the equipment is only part of the conversion process — you also need to scan for new digital channels to make sure you’re pulling in all the stations in your area.

Some converter boxes may scan for channels automatically when you set them up, but you can also scan for channels manually by using the scan feature on the converter box’s menus or remote. Digital television sets usually keep the channel-scan controls in the settings or setup menus, where the function may be called auto-tune.

The Federal Communications Commission recommends scanning (or rescanning) for digital channels on June 13. And since new digital stations are popping up or adding subchannels, you may want to scan for new channels on a regular basis, just to make sure you’re getting all the TV that’s out there. You can find troubleshooting advice, antenna tips and even coverage maps showing all the digital channels available in your area at the F.C.C.’s DTV Web site.