Why do some channels disappear with a digital converter box?

Question

I have just added a digital converter box to my analog TV set, and am delighted with the improvement in quality. However, several of the important available channels (PBS and ABC particularly) don't appear with I am using the digital box. I get the message "No signal."

My guess is that these stations are not broadcasting digitally yet, but I am not sure. Any thoughts about this (BTW, I have tried auto-tuning and manual tuning already, so there's no need to suggest this)

Answer 1

With very few exceptions, all full power TV stations have had digital signals in the air since about 2002.  Most of the time, being unable to receive channels is because of a poor signal into the converter box. In short, you need a better antenna and/or to re-aim the antenna you have.

Digital works a bit differently than analog. With analog, a poor signal would give you snow and ghosts. With digital, if the signal is not good enough for the box to decode, it will look like you are getting nothing even though you are getting something marginal. Also, many of the older stations on VHF (channels 2-13) have digital assignments in UHF (channels 14-52). And, some may move around after February 17. So, you must have a good quality VHF/UHF antenna.

Visit http://www.antennaweb.org and put in your ZIP code. You will get a list of stations in your area that you could expect to receive, suggestion on antennas for your unique situation and where to aim them.

I hope this helps. Please return and select a Best Answer from all of those submitted.