FORT MYERS, Fla. - There's a misconception all you need to do is set up your converter box and you will start receiving all the digital channel in our area. That's not true.

If you're having problems picking up WINK-TV using your converter box, here are some ways to troubleshoot the problem.

First, know that your converter box needs to be plugged into your TV and plugged into the outlet.

No matter if you have a digital television set, or if you have a converter box, if you own a pair of rabbit ears - keep them! If you plan to ever get a television signal over the air you'll need them!

Most people don't realize, just like with your analog set, you'll need an antenna. Likely, you won't have to buy one because you probably already have one.

"The one thing I want to make clear to everyone is that there's no such thing is an HDTV antenna or a digital TV antenna," said WINK Chief Engineer, Keith Stuhlmann, "The same antennas they've made for the past 45 years work perfect."

Just make sure it receives UHF and VHF signals, meaning you have the rabbit ears and the circle part of the antenna.

Then you'll need to program the box so it will lock in all of the stations.

An outdoor antenna will always work better than an indoor one.

If you have an outdoor antenna your amplifier could cause you problems. Amplifiers help you receive distant signals, so if you're near our broadcasting tower it will over amplify the signal and your TV won't be able to understand it.

Finally, there are simply some converter boxes out there that aren't working, so you may have to take it back and get another one.


For more information:
Phone: 1-888-DTV-2009
Website: dtvanswers.com
E-mail WINK at: dtvhelp@winknews.com