FAQ

1.  What is a QAM tuner?
A QAM (Quadrature amplitude modulation) tuner is a part of a TV tuner that allows you to watch unencrypted (unscrambled) digital and HD channels by simply plugging your cable from the wall to the TV.  Most cable companies only leave the local digital and HD channels unencrypted plus the music channels.   These channels appear as higher numbered channels with extensions such as a dash or dot.  (100.1 or 95.3)  You need a cable box for the other HD and digital channels.  This technology does not work with the satellite companies.  Charter gives you the most free channels in the area with locals plus ESPN 1, 2 and TNT unencrypted.  Brighthouse only gives you the locals plus the music channels. QAM basically equals free local HD channels and the music channels without a cable box or HD subscription.

2.   What is a digital sub-channel?
“In broadcasting, digital subchannels are a means to transmit more than one independent program at the same time from the same digital radio or digital television station on the same radio frequency channel. This is done by using data compression techniques to reduce the size of each individual program stream, and multiplexing to combine them into a single signal.”  Source-Wikipedia.  In other words they are the extra .2, .3 or -2, -3 channel you pick up with an antenna.  For example, in our market, WSFA’s main NBC channel is 12.1 and 12.2 is its weather channel.  WCOV carries the main Fox channel on 20.1, weather on 20.2 and This TV on 20.3

3.  Why do I need an HDMI cable?
HDMI cables allow you to carry the maximum resolution (1080p)  HD video along    with digital audio.   To put it simply, this is the best cable for picture quality.

4. Why doesn’t Montgomery have a MyNetworkTV affiliate any more?
WRJM no longer exists.  The station was sold and the new owners decided to add a country music video network rather than MyNetworkTV.  It is now The Country Network on 48-1.  However, with a strong antenna you can pick up MyNet68 in Birmingham.

5.  Can my home owner’s association or apartment complex prevent me from installing a satellite dish or outdoor antenna?
No.  They will try though.  Section 207 of the Telecommunications Act of 1996 allows residents to erect antennas and satellite dishes if they so choose.  An apartment complex may, however, instruct you  not to attach them to the building or drill holes.    Go to FCC fact sheet for more information.

6.  What happened to RTN?
WSFA pulled RTN  in favor of using its bandwidth for a new mobile TV format.  However, it now runs part-time on channel 12-2, the weather subchannel.

7.  What is 3D Television?
A 3D television is a television set that employs techniques of 3D presentation, such as stereoscopic capture, multi-view capture, or 2D plus depth, and a 3D display—a special viewing device to project a television program into a realistic three-dimensional field.  Source: Wikipedia

8. Does Montgomery have any HD radio stations?
Yes, 95.1 The Fox (WXFX).

I have an HDTV, therefore all channels I watch are in HD. WRONG!  You can perform a scan and get the locals in HD through QAM (They will appear with a dot or dash.  100-1 or 95.3.)  You need to pay for HD service with a box to receive HD channels from cable or satellite

My satellite dish will go out when it rains. Maybe.  I’ve had Dish and Directv.  If your satellite is installed correctly and has a strong signal you should rarely, if ever, lose reception.  I’ve only lost reception during extremely heavy rainstorms.  My cable used to go out much more.  Cable also relies on satellites for some of its feeds so a very heavy rain or snow event may cause problems for them too.

My local TV station has an HD OTA signal. Incorrect.  Your local TV station has a digital signal capable of carrying HD programming.

OTA = Over the air
FM=frequency modulation
AM=Amplitude Modulation
Stereo=use of two independent audio channels
Mono=use of one audio channel
3D TV=A television that can display three-dimensional images
HD = High Definition
SD = Standard Definition
DJ=Disc Jockey
PQ=Picture Quality
QAM = Quadrature Amplitude Modulation
FTA = Free to air
HDMI=High-Definition Multimedia Interface(cable for digital sound + HD picture)
LCD=Liquid Crystal Display
LED=Light-emitting diode
NTSC=National Television System(s) Committee(Analog)
ATSC=Advanced Television Systems Committee (Digital)
Bandwidth = the width of the smallest frequency band within which the signal can fit

Basic Satellite Setup

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