So, you've determined that you're not ready for the digital transition on February 17th.

You've bought a new digital TV set or you've gotten one or more of the set-top boxes to turn the new digital signals into something your current TV can see.

You've hooked everything up, and you still don't have a picture. What do you do now?

First of all a reminder...If you're a cable TV customer and EVERY SINGLE TV IN YOUR HOUSEHOLD is hooked up to cable, you do NOT, have to go through any of this procedure. Your cable TV company will take these digital signals and convert them into something that your current television can see.

But if you're still going to rely on an antenna to pick up TV stations like WTAP, there are some things to watch out for.

"Check your antenna and make sure it's in good shape," says Station Engineer Kevin Buskirk. " Weather plays a very hard role on antennas over the years."

What types of things should you look for?
Cracked feed lines, broken elements...the antenna has to be pointed in the right direction.

But don't let anyone tell you that you have to buy a special digital antenna. If your current UHF antenna is in good condition, it'll pick up the new digital signals as well as the old analog ones. Some antenna styles are better than others, but if your current UHF antenna is working...don't run out and replace it right off the bat. Work with the one you've got, first.

" You want to make sure that you've got a rotor that's working," suggests Station Engineer Kevin Buskirk. "... And that you're able to position your antenna. Digital is more critical on position (than analog has been.)"

Why is that? It's the characteristics of how the signal travels...it's more critical, it's more directional!

The old analog signals were more forgiving. You could point your antenna in the general direction of the broadcast tower and get an acceptable picture. Sometimes, it would be fuzzy.

But Digital is different. You have to have your antenna pointed directly at the WTAP Broadcast tower between Marietta and Belpre along Ohio Route 7, to get the BEST chance of seeing our new digital signal.

"Check your splitters and connectors. If you send the signal to more than one TV then check that your splitters and all connections are in good shape. Look over your whole system," suggests Station Engineer Kevin Buskirk. "You test your smoke detectors once a year. This is the first time in 20 years to check out your TV!"

Believe it or not, some of these connectors or "splitters" as they're called, are actually incapable of passing UHF signals! So, if everything else fails, try swapping out some of these connectors with ones that are capable of passing UHF.

Your local Television Sales Clerk can help guide you to what could or should be swapped out.

It can be complicated.

And that may be reason enough to get cable and forget it. But if that's not an option, you CAN get these beautiful digital signals free, over-the-air, and watch the new channels like FOX Parkersburg and My5, as well.