Antenna users must rescan their TVs Tuesday to pick up ABC11’s new over-the-air signal
TV viewers who use an over-the-air antenna to watch local broadcast stations will need to rescan their antennas on Tuesday, June 30, to pick up an ABC11 frequency change.
This latest round of frequency changes is the final phase of the FCC project that started in November 2018.
The reason for the frequency changes is to make room for new 5G and other mobile broadband services.
The station number for the WTVD station will not change as a result of the frequency changes or rescanning.
WHIG-TV, a community channel out of Rocky Mount, will also change its frequency this week, by July 3. Rescan again after July 3 to make sure that channel is also updated.
The FCC recommends that viewers who watch over-the-air television with an antenna periodically rescan their TVs.
Other local stations — including WRAL (NBC), WNCN (CBS), WRAZ (Fox), WUVC (Univision), WUNC (PBS UNC-TV), WLFL (The CW), WHFL (Religious) and WRDC (My Network TV) — have already updated their frequencies.
If you are a cable, satellite or streaming viewer, you don’t need to do anything.
Having trouble after the rescan?
Last year, many people reported losing their channels after the big rescan in September. In most cases, it was because stations had to install temporary antennas with a weaker signal that had to be used while new permanent antennas were installed.
WRAL finished installation of its new antenna this spring, so its signal — along with sister station WRAZ Fox 50 — is now at full strength. WNCN CBS 17, WLFL The CW and WRDC also have the new permanent antennas in place and are operating at full signal strength.
UNC-TV also reports that their new antennas are installed and at full strength. For more information about UNC-TV rescanning, visit unctv.org/watch/rescan.
ABC11 will broadcast from a lower-power auxiliary antenna until mid-July, so that could affect reception temporarily.
In other cases last year, a viewer’s television perhaps wasn’t letting go of stored memory after the rescan. If you’re having trouble picking up channels after a frequency change, try unplugging your antenna from your TV, rescan the TV, then plug the antenna back in and scan again.
It’s also worth noting that ABC11 is on a High-VHF frequency. If your antenna is UHF, that could also explain your trouble picking up that station. CBS 17 switched from UHF to High-VHF last summer. Other stations in the area are on a UHF frequency.
ABC11 is providing resources for viewers who may need help with rescanning. Visit abc11.com/rescan or call 919-694-1011 for help.
You can also learn more at TVAnswers.org or call the FCC Rescan Hotline at 1-888-CALL-FCC (1-888-225-5322).
This story was originally published June 29, 2020 at 2:50 PM.
