OTA TV Channels Are Moving Time to Rescan
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is making some changes to some of the OTA stations by auctioning off some of their frequencies. This means that some stations and channels will be moving to a new home on your television dial. This could also open up opportunities for new stations and content. To stay current with these new channel changes you will need to rescan your TV channels from time to time. This will ensure that you have the latest channel lineup. Over the air television is watched by over 72 million Americans. It is an excellent way to cut your cable bill. If you are lucky and live close enough to broadcast towers then installing an OTA antenna is quite simple.
FCC Auction/Repack
In 2016, the FCC started an auction designed to re-purpose television airwaves for wireless companies. TV stations are moving to new frequencies between 2018-2020. This repack will affect over 1000 channels. For more information on the FCC auction, you can check out their website.
How to Rescan Your Channels
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- Samsung TV rescan option
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- RCA TV rescan option
Rescanning the channels on your television, converter box or OTA DVR is quite simple. Each television, converter box, or OTA DVR has a menu option. Just enter the menu and then go to setup and select antenna and click on scan, autotune, or auto channel search. Then allow the television, converter box, or OTA DVR to rescan all the available channels. This may take a few minutes depending on how many channels are in your area. Each television or device may be different so check your owner’s manual.
To find out when or if your channels will move please visit TVAnswers.org for schedules in your area.
This video explains how to rescan your channels.
Television, Converter Box, and OTA DVR Manufactures List
To help you out, we have compiled a list of popular television, converter box, and antenna manufacturers that can assist in rescanning your channels.
- Channel Master Stream+
- DISH Network DTVPAL
- Elemental
- Funai
- Haier
- Hisense
- Hitachi
- Insignia
- JVC
- LG
- Magnavox
- Mediasonic Digital Converter Box
- Panasonic
- Philips
- Polaroid
- Proscan
- Samsung
- Sanyo
- Sceptre
- Sharp
- Sony
- Symphonic
- Tablo TV
- TCL
- Toshiba
- ViewTV Converter Box
- Vizio
- Westinghouse
- Zenith
- 1byOne Converter Box
How Often to Rescan?
You should rescan your TV or converter box every few months to ensure you have the latest channels. OTA television is always evolving and new stations pop up from time to time. It is a good habit to rescan your channels to ensure you have the current lineup.
Conclusion
Staying up to date with the latest OTA channel lineup is as easy as hitting the rescan option. In some cases, you may have to readjust your antenna depending on new tower locations. Our site offers many tips and tools to help you select, adjust and configure your OTA antenna. Please take the time to read our in-depth articles, which can be found using the menu options below.
The Best Over The Air Antennas Based on Performance and User Feedback
We have always had channel 58.1 CW, but no longer have it, can you tell me what has happen. We have rescanned. Thank you
58.1 could be having temporary issues with their broadcasting antenna or they are broadcasting at lower power. You could try to reposition the antenna and see if that makes a difference. Try calling the local station and see if they are having any OTA broadcasting issues.