If you're a Cincinnatian who uses an antenna versus cable or satellite to watch TV, the Federal Communications Commission has some news: You're going to need to rescan.
Some 1,000 TV stations across the U.S. are moving to new frequencies by July 2020 to make room for 5G and other broadband services and that includes eight local stations: WLWT, WCPO, WKRC, WCET, MYTV (64), PBS (14), WXIX, PBS (54).
The FCC says users will need to rescan their TVs in order to continue receiving those local channels, which are slated to "transition to new frequencies between Sept. 7 and Oct. 18, 2019."
According to their release:
- Most viewers don’t need any new devices, equipment or services to rescan their TV.
- To rescan, viewers will need their TV remote control or analog TV converter box, then choose “Channel Scan,” “Channel Tuning,” or “Auto Search” in the “Setup” or “Channel” menu. Once you find either the “Channel Scan” or “Channel Tuning” buttons, choose the automatic option to rescan.
- By rescanning, viewers who watch TV using a rooftop or indoor antenna will keep their existing channels, and may even discover new channels in their broadcast area.
- TV stations are changing frequencies on a rolling basis, so consumers may need to rescan their television more than once.
The FCC has also created a video about rescanning:
\\<\/iframe\>
If you need additional help, you can visit fcc.gov/TVrescan or call the consumer help line at 888-225-5322 and press “6” to speak with someone in English or Spanish.
