Re-scanning TVs for viewers

Hope Channel

Where a new TV station comes on the air, it often will be on an unused frequency, which will usually not be located by changing the channels on a TV.  In such cases, the TV would need to be re-scanned to pick up the new channel.

 

TECHNICAL GUIDE TO RE-SCANNING TV’S FOR NEW L.P.T.V. STATIONS

This guide is for those wanting to assist local viewers to re-scan their TVs.  It aims to improve their knowledge and skills.

Before offering your services to do this, read carefully through the information below and then APPLY it by re-scanning at least 3 different models of TV sets, to gain some experience.

All new TV sets come with manuals – ideally use these if available.  Often they get lost, so you may need to download them via Google if really needed.

 1               Questions to ask:

 a)                   Is your local TV reception good and clear?  [If not, ask the next question]

 b)                   Do you have an outside antenna?   (if not, encourage them to get one)

 c)                   What town / suburb do you live? (to be sure they are in the reception area)

 2               Scanning Procedure

Different TVs will have different menu structures and use different words, as shown below. 

Step #

Step description

Notes

1

Set TV to receive TV and not AV

Ask – “Can you see a TV channel?” and do not go further unless answer is YES

 

TV / AV Button – used for playing DVDs, etc.

 

2

Press MENU

 

Sometimes SETUP

3

Go to “Setup”  or “Settings”

 

 

4

 

Go to “Installation” or “System” or “Channels”

 

 

5

Go to “Scan channels”, “Program channels”, “Autoscan”, “Autoprogram”, or “Autotuning”

 

6

Note: Typically, you will need to press the right arrow button or “Select”, “Enter”, or “OK” to choose an option. The up/down and left/right arrow buttons or the up/down channel and volume buttons should move you through the menu choices.

 

 

3            Troubleshooting

If you have rescanned and can’t receive any stations, repositioning or even just realigning your (internal, “bunny-ears”) antenna may solve your reception issues. Sometimes, as little as 30 cm of horizontal (or even vertical) distance can make all the difference between receiving a poor signal and a good signal. However, this may take some patience and a bit of “trial-and-error”. (On occasion, positioning the antenna near a window helps.)

An outside Grid-type antenna (see photo below) is strongly recommended.  These are not expensive and quite easy to install.   Where viewers cannot see the TV tower, they could try to add a booster on the antenna to improve the signal.

Reminder: You must rescan for available channels after each time you move your antenna in order to receive any “new” channels.

You may also want to check the wiring and connections going from the antenna to the converter box –

1) Do the wiring and connections appear to be in good condition? If not, you should consider replacement of any questionable components.

2) Are there any connections that seem loose? If so, you may simply need to tighten them with a screwdriver.

                                               

                                     Grid antenna – usual orientation for vertical polarity broadcasts.

 

4          Further resources

            If you are unable to help a viewer receive Hope Channel, you could call on:

a)            Local TV installers

b)            Your local Hope Channel Help Desk

 
5          Use the opportunity to make friends

          When volunteers visit homes to set up their TV’s, why not go back every month to check how they are doing and establish friendships?      

           Another way is to have young people approach homes with TVs, asking if they know about the new channel and would like to have someone come to set it up for them.