Reception problems north of GR

By Michael Laemers
Director of Engineering
WOOD TV / WOTV / WXSP

We have received emails and telephone calls from our viewers in northern Kent, Muskegon, Newaygo and Oceana counties, who have indicated they watch the WOOD TV analog signal but cannot pickup the digital signal when they purchase a converter box or a new TV.

WOOD TV operates on digital channel 7. This is the same channel WPBN in Traverse City uses for its analog broadcast. Viewers in the northern part of our viewing area may experience problems with this interference. This interference is most prevalent for about 4 hours after sunrise and the early evening hours. The viewer may do a simple test to see if this is the reason they are not able to receive WOOD DT digital signal.

To test for interference, connect the antenna to the analog TV tuner. Tune to channel 7. If there is any picture or sound, this interference will unlock the digital tuner and prevent WOOD's digital reception. If the viewer has a rotor on their antenna, turn the antenna until the analog signal is minimized, then re-connect the antenna to the digital tuner and try to rescan.

The interference from WPBN, Traverse City should go away after June 12, 2009. This is the date that WPBN will turn off their channel 7 analog signal.

WOOD TV and WOOD DT both transmit from our tower in Middleville, MI