WJAC-DT INFORMATION & RECEPTION TIPS

WJAC-DT (digital or DTV) is operating on UHF channel 34 with 1 megawatt (1,000,000 watts) of power, the maximum allowed by the Federal Communications Commission. It is on the air continuously, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

WJAC-DT’s transmitting antenna is located 5 miles northwest of Johnstown at 3,000 feet above sea level.

WJAC-DT will continue to operate on UHF channel 34 with 1 megawatt of power after February 17, 2009.

WJAC’s channel 6 analog signal is VHF. WJAC-DT’s signal is UHF on channel 34. The UHF signal doesn't cover as well at further distances. Also, with the digital signal, as the signal gets weaker at distant locations (farther distances from our antenna in Johnstown), the reception remains very good until it reaches a point where the receiver can no longer decode the signal to produce a picture & sound.

IF YOUR PICTURE IS FREEZING, BREAKING-UP OR BLOCKING OR IF RECEPTION IS INTERMITTENT:

First, check the signal strength display on your converter box or digital TV. Slowly adjust the aim of your antenna for the strongest reading on the display. It's very important that the antenna aim is set for the peak signal strength.

If that doesn’t help, you may need to do some upgrades to your antenna system to increase the strength of the signal. See tips below.

IF YOU CAN’T RECEIVE WJAC-DT:

If you can input manual channels on your converter or TV, set the channel to 34 and aim your antenna for the strongest signal. If your converter or TV doesn't allow for inputting the channel number, set your converter or TV to scan or auto set up. If you still don't receive it, move the antenna a little bit to the right or left. Then, do the auto set up again. If you still don't receive it, move the antenna a little bit the other way. Then, auto set up again. You may have to repeat this process several times, each time adjusting the antenna and then doing the auto set up scan. The converter needs to "see" the station during the auto set up process. After it shows up on your converter, make slight adjustments to the aim of your antenna for a peak reading on the signal level display on your TV or converter box. If you still can’t receive it, upgrades to your antenna system to increase the strength of the signal may be necessary. See tips below. You may want to consult with a TV repair person knowledgeable on antenna installation.

RECEPTION TIPS

ANTENNA

You'll need an antenna that's designed to receive UHF channels to receive WJAC-DT digital. You can tell if the one you have is for UHF if it has short (6-8") pipes (elements) on it. If you have to get a new one, I recommend one capable of VHF & UHF, often called an all band or all wave antenna. There will be a few stations in our area broadcasting in digital on VHF after February 17, 2009. The size of the antenna will depend largely on the distance between WJAC’s antenna and your location. For the most reliable reception, the antenna should be mounted on your roof top of other high location, with no obstructions nearby. Also, a preamplifier or booster may be needed to amplify the signal. Be sure the preamplifier is rated for UHF.

LINE

The line connecting your antenna to your TV or converter box needs to be the round black RG-6 type coaxial cable. A lot of signal strength is lost with the flat line (often brown in color). The line should be as short as possible and have as few splitters as possible. If the length of the line between the antenna and tv or converter box is more than 100 feet and/or if it is split, a preamplifier or booster may be necessary to make the signal stronger. Check the connectors on the line to make sure they're dry inside, screwed on tight and installed correctly.

VCR

Your VCR (if you have one) should be connected between the converter box & TV, not between the antenna and VCR. To be able to record one station while watching another, you'll need a second converter box for the VCR.

I hope these suggestions help. Please contact me at rob.abele@wjactv.com if you need more information or have any questions.

Rob Abele

Director of Engineering

WJAC-TV/DT