Looking for Start TV?
Many U.S. television stations are moving to new frequencies over the next year. If you watch television using an over-the-air antenna, you may need to make adjustments to your television set to receive Start TV. Cable and satellite viewers of Start TV are not impacted.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What exactly is happening?
Local television stations use over-the-air broadcast frequencies to transmit signals to your television set. In many cases, these frequencies are changing due to the Federal Communications Commission’s plan to create room for wireless services.
When should I do something?
Moves are happening in phases. In some cities this started as early as September 2018. The final group of stations won’t be complete until the summer of 2020.
What happened to the television station I watch for Start TV?
If the station you watch for Start TV has already moved, in most cases it should remain available through a television rescan. Please be aware that many stations are conducting preliminary work on transmission equipment in the months leading to the frequency change. This preliminary work can impact the ability to properly tune-in by over-the-air antenna. [Link to email form] Please let us know if you can’t receive Start TV by filling out this quick information.
My signal for Start TV is fine right now. Should I be concerned that will change?
Depending on where you live and the station you watch, the station may have already moved to a new frequency, or does not have to move at all, which means nothing else will change. If the station you watch is going to move to a new frequency, you should see on-screen messages in the weeks leading to the change, letting you know a date when a television rescan will be needed.
What is a rescan?
A rescan is an update to the television set by using the “menu” button to have the television re-tune all available signals. In many instances, if a station changes frequency, the television set needs to be instructed to “rescan” the frequencies to find any new ones now available. Specific rescan steps vary by manufacturer. https://www.fcc.gov/rescan is a resource for more information.
Do I need to rescan if I watch by cable or satellite?
No. This applies to over-the-air viewers only.
Does it matter what kind of television or antenna I use?
In most cases, no. Refer to the television set instructions. If Start TV is available in your area, most broadcast antennas should be able to get the signal, although performance varies depending on many factors including distance from the actual television station transmitter site, and the configuration of your home.
Tell me again when to watch for this?
The timing depends on the community you live in and the station you watch. This is taking place over nearly two years. There is no single date for all of the country.
Where can I get additional help?
http://www.tvanswers.org/faq.asp