Make sure you are ready
KHQA is about ready to switch to an all-digital signal.
The switch will start at 3:00 in the afternoon on June 12th.
If you're not ready, now's the time to start.
"People think they can wait till the last minute to get this done. You need to do this ahead of time. If not, you'll just see snow on your TV. Nobody wants to see snow in their community in June," says FCC Commissioner Jonathan S. Adelstein.
First, let's talk a little bit about a converter box. That will allow you to get digital TV with an older analog set. If you did not get a $40 coupon from the government, you'll have to buy that converter box with your own money. Each box comes with easy-to-understand instructions.
"If you've got that box, you might want to hook it up right away, and not wait until June 12th. You've got to give it a trial run. Try it out, make sure it's working. You will receive a digital channel as soon as you get it properly hooked up," say FCC's Acting Chairman Michael J. Copps.
"For those who need help hooking up their converter boxes, especially the elderly or disabled, there is help. I would first recommend calling their local TV station," says FCC Commissioner Robert M. McDowell
Our number here at KHQA-TV is 217-222-6200 extension 101. Feel free to call with questions during normal business hours. You also can call the FCC at 1-888-CALL-FCC. If you have internet access, you can log on to www.connecttristates.com or www.dtvanswers.com for answers to your questions.
Also, a couple of key points about your antenna. It has to be a VHF or combination antenna. It'll work best if you point it toward the TV station's broadcast tower. In our case, point it north of Quincy.
"In most cases, if you have indoor rabbit ears, they should be perfectly fine. You may have to play with them, move them up and down just like you did with the old set," says Copps.
Remember, if you have cable or DISH Network and subscribe to your local channels, the switch will happen on their end, and you won't have to do anything. If you have questions, contact your provider. If you get your TV over the air, or through DirecTV, here's something you need to know. After KHQA makes the switch on June 12th, you will have to rescan your channels. To rescan your channels, find the menu function on your converter box remote. In that function, you should see an option to rescan channels. Follow the on-screen directions, and you should be good to go.
If you have questions after our switch to digital, our station at 301 South 36th Street in Quincy will be open as a walk-in or phone-in help center at the following dates and times:
Friday, June 12 from 8:00am to 8:00 p.m.
Saturday/Sunday, June 13-14 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Monday-Friday, June 15-19 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Saturday/Sunday, June 20-21 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
TV Station Profiles & Public Inspection Files forKHQA