UPDATE 6/17 12:45 p.m.: WLIW21 is at full power
Please be advised that Channel 21 is broadcasting at full power from an antenna in Plainview, Long Island. Make sure you have a dual band antenna (VHF & UHF). You may need to perform several adjustments before receiving all channels. Each time you adjust your antenna you must also re-scan channels. For more advice about adjusting your antenna, visit www.antennaweb.org. For other details and information, including support centers in your neighborhood, visit www.dtv.gov.
———————————-
UPDATE 6/15 1:20 p.m.: Possible solution — a “double rescan”
Following up on previous discussions regarding reception & signal problems with high VHF channels, the FCC is trying to determine if there is a pattern nationwide. They have identified one potential solution that has been successful in solving the majority of problems for some stations — a “double rescan” the converter boxes. Here are the steps:
On June 12th at 12:30pm, WLIW21, along with other New York broadcasters, made the long-awaited switch to Digital television in compliance with the federal mandate. The following is some important information you need to know in order to receive our signal.
If you have already connected your converter box or have a television with a digital tuner and are unable to view WLIW21, please re-scan your box or television using the MENU button (look for a feature that says “Scan” or “Auto scan”) or SCAN button on your remote or by consulting the instructions. This is the same scanning process you conducted when you first installed your box or television. If you still have a problem after re-scanning channels, look for an UPDATE function and select that. Each converter box and television is different, so you may need to review the instruction manual.
Also, make sure you are using an antenna that covers both the VHF and UHF bands and have connected it properly. You may also need to adjust the position of your antenna to receive our signal.
If you do not yet have a converter box, you will need to purchase one to view WLIW21 on your analog television. Alternatively, you can subscribe to cable or satellite service or purchase a television with a digital tuner.
For more detailed information and instructions, please visit www.dtv.gov or call 1-888-225-5322.
Thank you for your interest in WLIW21.
So while looking for an answer to why WLIW 21 was nolonger available, including reading the posts here, a dimming memory of once being perplexed at the repetition of channels 13, 21 and 25 in the low 100s surfaced. I went back and checked; 21 is also located at 101-1, I was so pleased. Give it a try, it might work for you. I am also in NYC and attaching the plain cable to the television. Best, Harry
I plug into basic cable and I’m just so disappointed that I lost WLIW/21 last week. My TV is old as time so I don’t get 101-1 and I really hope something happens where I can get my favorite shows back. And I don’t know if it matters but I’m located in Queens. Please WLIW come back – I miss you!
My husband and I live in Manhattan. He just called and Time Warner because we lost 21 as well (upset!), and TW told us we need a digital converter to continue receiving the channel, which is based out of Long Island. Very annoying! They told us the box would be free for the first year, then somewhere around $10 after that. My unruly nature was immediately insulted and I just can’t bring myself to get it on principle. :) It is going to be pretty depressing though not having my nature shows, Jacques Pepin, Lydia’s Italy and This Old House. 21 was pretty much all the tv I watched.
According to the FCC’s website regarding DTV conversion:
>>>> In fact, cable operators that offer any analog service are required to continue providing you with your local TV stations in analog so that you can continue using an analog TV set without a box.
I live in Washington Heights. My cable operator, Time Warner, provides several stations in analog format in their Basic (Broadcast) service package. However, beginning May 5, 2010, Time Warner discontinued analog transmission of WLIW-21, and only transmits it digitally now. I have an analog TV, and no cable box or converter, so I can no longer receive this station through the cable.
I called Time Warner and they said there was nothing they could do as this was a policy change made by them, and they are not breaking the law. However, it sounds as though they are breaking the law. So, for those of you with Time Warner cable who no longer get WLIW, the problem seems to be due to Time Warner’s policy, not WLIW’s. I have filed a complaint with the FCC, and I encourage everyone else affected by this to do the same.
I called Time Warner when they discontinued WLIW in May. They offered me a cable box free for one year. The box was installed – but with this months’ billing I received a charge of over $10.00 for the box. When I called and spoke to a supervisor about this they claimed that they had no such ruling THe box has since been removed. I wrote to the CEO of Time Warner about this but have as yet. to receive any reply. What can you do?
Dear Viewer:
Thank you for taking the time to write to us regarding the recent difficulties you have experienced in receiving our over the air signal. Regrettably, you are not alone. We, along with other stations in our area, have been hearing from many viewers across our viewing area who are experiencing the same problem.
Please be assured that nothing on our end has changed. The problem is believed to be an atmospheric change causing interference to our signal. The interference is created by a change in the atmosphere which allows other signals from distant sources to interfere and prevent receivers from receiving the signals.
Of course, you should make sure that you have re-scanned and repositioned your antenna and that your antenna receives both UHF and VHF signals. Also, if you are using a set-top antenna, you should look into installing a roof top antenna or connecting to your building’s antenna.
Several months ago, we attempted to obtain a waiver to increase the power for WLIW but were unable to obtain the increase for a number of reasons outside of our control. Some of these problems have now cleared and we may be in a better position to increase our power some time in the future, but we cannot be certain that this will resolve everyone’s problems.
We are truly sorry that there is not more that we can do at this time to resolve these issues. As a public television station, WLIW relies on support from our viewing public. Certainly, the ability for all viewers to receive our signal is a top priority and we will continue to work diligently with the FCC and other stations to find a solution to this ongoing problem. In the meantime, if you have access to the internet, you can view many of our programs online.
Thank you for your interest in and support of public television.
Sincerely,
Ricardo Galvez
WLIW
Looks like WLIW – channel 21 in the nyc area has moved once again. We had been able to view it on ch 101-1. I just punched in the numbers and lo, and behold – ‘No Signal’ – Grrrr!! I did a scan and found it again on channel 80-1.
What is up w/ all this moving around crap!?!?!?
Plus it really sucks b/c we cannot record anything on the channel now b/c our vcr/dvd doesn’t seem to be able to get channels over 100?? or anything w/ a dash like 80-1?? Anyone know any way around that besides a dvr player/recorder?
Thx!
Why can’t I get 21 living in Manhattan anymore????????????????
FIX IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Or at least broadcast MI5 on 13.
Thanks
BTW I get your emails, just not your TV station.
I had no trouble getting C. 21 until a few months ago. Then I serendipitiously started to receive it on 101-1. However, about 2 weeks ago, I lost it–the message was “digital signal too low.” What happened? It obviously has nothing to do with me or my set.
Merry Christmas!
No signal for at least a couple of days now (Brooklyn)