Why can't I see channels 7 or 9?

WASHINGTON - The transition to digital television hasn't gone as smoothly as hoped for many in the Washington area, with many unable to see Channel 7 or 9.

Both stations have told WTOP to have viewers re-scan the channels on their converter boxes. Instructions should be included with the boxes.

However,WTOP has learned that doesn't always work, and after re-scanning, Channel 7 and 9 still don't work.

Bill Lake, DTV coordinator for the FCC, believes that the problem for these listeners may be because converter boxes do not operate the same way from box to box.

Both channel 7 and 9 changed their frequencies overnight, and Lake believes that previous settings may need to be erased.

Lake advises that users should manually erase the previous settings for channels 7 and 9 and then perform a re-scan, which should clear up the issue.

Lake adds that there may be additional changes made in the coming two weeks, and another re-scan may be necessary.

Digital signals are also not as powerful as analog signals, and you may need to buy a new antenna, re-orient your antenna, or moving your antenna.

Read our guide to improving your digital television signal.

For more answers visit the FCC's DTV transition site, or call the FCC's hotline at 1-888-CALL-FCC (1-888=2255-322)

Have a question for the Answer Desk? Let us know by filling out the form to the right.

(Copyright 2009 by WTOP. All Rights Reserved.)