As many viewers are "cutting the cord" and returning to receiving TV stations by antenna, we're hearing from more viewers who want to receive WSKG's over-the-air signal. WSKG broadcasts on digital channel 46.1 in Binghamton and 30.1 in Corning, both of which carry three sub-channels (see below). There are several benefits to watching this way:
- Picture quality is often better than cable or satellite, as those signals are digitally compressed more than the over-the-air signal... i.e. there's more digital information in the broadcast signal
- WSKG and other stations supply built-in program guides within broadcast signals that many digital TVs can receive and display
- WSKG broadcasts a total of four TV channels locally: WSKG HD (our main channel), PBS Kids (making learning fun 24/7), Create (cooking, painting, travel, etc) and World (documentaries, news, etc)
ANTENNA PLACEMENT
Antenna position is critical as it affects signal strength. The location of your antenna may affect one channel more than other channels as TV towers are not necessarily located next to each other.
**Your antenna should have a clear line-of-sight to the broadcast tower for consistent reception. Enter your address to see the direction of WSKG's transmitter from your home:
www.fcc.gov/media/engineering/dtvmaps
**For best reception, your antenna should be as far as possible from other electronic equipment, including computers, VCRs, DVD players, converter boxes, and the television itself.
**Getting your antenna as high as possible generally improves signal level. Some viewers place the antenna in the attic or on the roof to get best reception.
**If possible, place your antenna near a window, but make sure there are no metal bars, metal bug screens or balconies with metal railings on or near that window.
**More than one TV connected to antenna reduces signal for all sets.
**Experiment with antenna height and aiming, because a few inches can make a big difference.
BARRIERS TO RECEPTION
There are many factors that can affect TV reception. Some can be controlled while others can not.
**Electromagnetic or EMI interference – caused by nearby power lines, LED lightbulbs, thunderstorms, solar flares, and even household appliances like electric blankets, popcorn poppers, microwave ovens, electric dryers and water heaters. Try locating your antenna as far as possible from such things.
**Multipath interference – caused by signals reflected off items such as wet/icy surfaces or shiny buildings.
**Moisture – Heavy amounts of moisture in the air in the form of heavy fog, high humidity or intense rain can also temporarily weaken signals.
**Obstructions - Physical obstructions can cause the most interference, but they may be things you hadn’t considered, such as construction of a new building between you and WSKG's broadcast tower, leaf growth on a tree that was bare when you put your antenna up in the fall, or even your neighbor parking a new RV in their driveway.
DOUBLE RESCAN
Occasionally the receiver or converter box may lose the channel information of one or more channels. This can be due to several different factors, including a station being temporarily off the air during maintenance, for example.
There are five simple steps to a "double rescan" for a newer digital TV or digital converter box, which are as follows:
1. Disconnect the antenna from the box or digital TV.
2. Rescan the box or digital TV without the antenna connected. As with any scan follow the on-screen instructions or owner’s manual for your device.
3. Unplug the box or digital TV from the electrical outlet for at least one minute.
4. Reconnect the antenna to the box or digital TV and plug the unit into the electrical outlet.
5. Rescan the box or digital TV one more time.
If, after trying all the hints above, you're still having difficulty receiving WSKG, please submit a "Reception Issues" report.
Thanks for watching WSKG TV!