Digital transition leaves some with static

The federally mandated switch to digital-only broadcasting has left some television viewers seeing only static since going into effect June 12.

A myriad of problems including "dead zones," improper antennae usage and incompatible television consoles now prevent some people from access to non-cable affiliate channels.

Donald Manning, of Camano Island, said the conversion from analog to a digital signal is an infringement on his rights.

"It's taken away my television signal," said Manning. "None of the channels I used to enjoy come through anymore."

Although promised better signals and more channels, those left with using converter boxes may or may not receive the same amount of stations as they had before, he said.

Manning said he would like to stay informed of local and national events and the loss of signal prevents him from watching the news.

When Manning contacted the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), he said he received a form letter that did not address his concerns.

"Free television is my right," he said. "Why should I have to pay for cable or satellite?"

As of July 31, the federal government has stopped issuing rebate vouchers to assist in the purchase of signal converter boxes.

According to FCC coverage map calculations, for some addresses in the Stanwood and Camano Island area, only KVOS is consistently rated as sending strong signal. By the same calculations, all ABC, NBC, CBS or PBS affiliate stations' signal strength for the same area are rated as less than strong.

FCC officials did not respond to questions about issues with loss of signal.

Tim Rogers, Radio Shack manager in Stanwood, said his store has become "ground zero" for television viewers without cable or satellite who are trying to receive a digital signal.

"A good 50 to 60 percent of people have lost signal," said Rogers. "We've been fighting it — it's been a nightmare."

Rogers said he is still selling two to three converter boxes per day and has sold 287 converters since last August.

"We've sold a whole bunch of the converter boxes," he said. "We've sold the biggest antennas and the best antennas and they still don't get anything."

Daphne Adair, KCTS Channel 9 communications specialist said the digital transition was a significant effort for KCTS and the community.

"Our signal is good and has been operating well since the switch," said Adair.

KCTS viewership averages 2 million weekly viewers, and they answered several hundred calls or e-mails regarding transition issues.

To successfully receive the KCTS signal, Adair recommends various additional tactics from rescanning to modifying or upgrading antennas.

Unfortunately not all antennas are created equal and it has taken experimentation to find the right antenna for the right location, she said.

"Some of our viewers have found that a previously adequate, but weak analog signal, drops out more quickly on digital," said Adair. "So, it takes a little more effort to get the signal now, and we are working with viewers to find the best solutions."

KCTS included a survey on their Web site to measure how well the transition went for their viewers.

Adair said their survey included two reports of intermittent problems in Stanwood.

"Our chief engineer spoke with one of the survey respondents in Stanwood and recommended a simpler solution than replacing the outdoor antenna, as he was planning to try," she said. "It will take some time for us to contact everyone but we really do want to help."

KCTS is very interested in ensuring its market has free access to public television, which is why they issued the survey and are contacting respondents, said Adair. Ray Harrison, who lives on the south end of Camano Island, has lost all but one of the television stations he had received before the transition.

"I got absolutely nothing with the converter," said Harrison. "So, I went out and bought the best recommended antenna."

Harrison also put in an amplifier and raised his antenna mast by five feet.

Still, he receives only a single channel rather than several channels as before.

Harrison has been told that the hills between Seattle and Camano Island cause a disruption of the digital signal.

People living on the cusp of digital transmission coverage areas can experience the drop off of signal from one block to the next.

The digital cliff effect has rendered some islanders incapable of getting a signal regardless of what type of antenna they are using, he said.

Harrison, like others on the south end, cannot get cable services either.

"It has been a frustrating experience," said Harrison.

For more information log on to www.dtv.gov.

Reporter Rick Wood: 629- 8066 ext. 104 or rwood@ scnews.com.