TV Rescans Required to Access Channel
Research shows that an increasing number of people in the U.S. are using an antenna to access, free over-the-air (OTA) TV content. Depending on the source, anywhere from one in five to one in three TV viewers use an antenna to access free, local TV, either with additional paid streaming services, or without. According to Horowitz Research 34% of TV viewers access TV content using an antenna. Likewise, research from Parks Associates shows that the number of broadband households in the U.S. that use an antenna to watch local broadcast TV channels increased from 15% in 2018 to 25% in late 2019.
Also, according to recently published research from S&P Global Market Intelligence, the vast majority of antenna users – 73% – are tuning in to the big four network TV stations – ABC, CBS, NBC and FOX. Viewership of local TV news programming continues to garner a significant share of content consumed.
With this growing trend of more people watching TV using an antenna comes a critically important step in the process – rescanning the TV when a station changes its frequency.
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is requiring nearly 1,000 TV stations across the country to change frequencies to make room for more wireless services. The process for the station transitions has been occurring for more than a year, and as a result, viewers in affected communities must rescan their TVs to continue to get their local channels.
If you’re one of the more than 72 million TV viewers who use an antenna to access free, over-the-air television, you will need to rescan your TV or converter box if stations in your community change frequencies. Rescanning your TV is free and relatively fast using your TV remote:
- Select Scan or Autotune from your TV or converter box control menu to start the scanning process.
- Your TV will do the rest. This process usually takes a few minutes to complete.
Once the rescan is complete you will still find your favorite stations on the same channel number as before. If you have rescanning difficulties, you can usually find instructions by selecting the Set-Up or Menu button on your television or converter box remote control.
Keep in mind that to be effective the rescan must occur after the station completes its frequency change. Multiple TV stations may move at different times in the same community, so you may have to rescan more than once.
You can enter your zip code here to find out if and when local stations are transitioning. You can also sign up for free text and email alerts to be reminded when a TV rescan is required for your community.
Many antenna users find they get additional channels after they rescan, so make a #PlanToRescan so that you don’t miss out getting all of the available channels in your area.
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