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7/25/11 Viewer reception information for WBRE and WYOU
There are a multitude of ways you can receive WBRE and WYOU.
Off air- this is free but you may be in need of an antenna capable of receiving VHF 11 and VHF-13
Dishnet
DirecTV- these require clear access (line of sight) to the proper satellite- occasionally a chain saw will help if you are a property owner in a wooded area.
Cable TV- basic cable is available in a large number of areas.
Translator displacements;
Our new Digital transmitters covers many areas that previously required a translator. WBRE and WYOU analog signals used to require translators in select places to enhance coverage. We have discontinued analog translator service. Our full power main digital transmitters do a superb job of covering area previously requiring translators. You will likely require an upgrade to a VHF or combination VHF/UHF antenna to receive these. WBRE and WYOU are licensed to operate at ten times the power originally allocated by the FCC. This combined with numerous other methods of accessing our signals has made translators obsolete.
We operate WBRE-DT on ch-11 and WYOU-DT on ch-13. Our digital transmitters have the advantage of being on the VHF band that is well known for having much better coverage than UHF. Since this market previously had no VHF stations, you may need to purchase an antenna that is designed for VHF. Combination VHF/UHF antennas are available. I have created a prepared response to viewers needing help with their converter boxes. I can tell you we have people as far as Binghamton and Mansfield receiving these digital transmitter signals. The key point is you will need a VHF/UHF combination antenna. Please refer to the useful links section below for antenna selection.
DTV reception questions:
WBRE and WYOU have been broadcasting at full power since November 2005. WBRE-DT is on VHF-11 and WYOU-DT is on VHF-13 but they will show up as 28.1 and 22.1 on most DTV converter boxes and TVs. Some TVs or converters will lock better/quicker if you enter 11 or 13 directly and they'll then find 22.1/28.1 Both WYOU-DT and WBRE-DT transmit from Penobscot mountain. WBRE-DT and WYOU-DT are both on the WYOU tower and transmit from one antenna array located on Penobscot Mt. near Mountain Top PA, about 4 miles south of downtown Wilkes-Barre. The FCC assigned VHF frequencies and at a power level that was designed to cover our existing viewing area. We petitioned the FCC for increased power and the FCC granted it. WBRE-DT and WYOU-DT transmit at 10 times the power originally allocated to them. Channel 28 and Channel 22 analog transmitters were turned off on February 17th 2009.
One of the most common problems viewers encounter when setting up their TV converter or digital TV has to do with the type of antenna being used. Specifically, you will need a VHF of VHF/UHF antenna for WBRE/WYOU. Indoor versions of VHF antennas generally have "rabbit ears". If you are using only a set-top antenna then you may need to use a roof top antenna. The antennaweb.org site will calculate distances to our transmitters and help in antenna selection. One cheap TV top antenna is the Phillips SDV 5119/27.
The Government also provides assistance on the telephone at 1-888-call-FCC (888-225-5322).
Here are a few links that may help out if you have Internet access:
Useful Links:
http://www.solidsignal.com/ This site will help determine the best antenna for your area.
http://www.fcc.gov/mb/engineering/maps/
http://www.tvfool.com/ This site shows or signal coverage.
http://www.antennaweb.org/aw/welcome.aspx
Interference problems- (this sometimes applies when only WBRE or only WYOU has a problem- first make sure you have the proper antenna.)
WBRE and WYOU transmit from the same antenna and at the same power which is ten time the power originally allocated by the FCC. There are two categories of problems that need to be investigated; Internal- that is, your receiving system from antenna to amplifiers if any at splitters etc., and external such as Cable systems "leaking" into your antenna , close by FM radio stations in the 99-102 MHz. range for WBRE (105-108 for WYOU) or other transmissions getting into your system. WBRE digital is in the range of 198-204 MHz., same as Cable ch-11. WYOU digital is in the range of 210-216 MHz., same as Cable ch-13. If you are on a street that has cable then it is possible that the Cable company is interfering.
HD questions:
WBRE and WYOU are broadcasting more and more shows in HD as we grow and will continue to add shows in HD when possible. We pass through any/all HD programming that is supplied to us through our respective Network or national program suppliers. We offer syndicated shows such as WHEEL and Jeopardy when they are delivered in HD. We do not offer sub-channels at this time.
We are also tending to our delivery of Emergency and Closings information. Our commitment to Emergency, Safety, and Public closing content takes precedence over our presentation method. Television facilities are quite complicated. For example, we must manage over 128 different such video and audio sources. In order to process and broadcast HD video, we bring in signals either direct from the network via HD satellite receivers or from additional satellite receivers. Commercial Broadcaster have been involved with this entire DTV project since the late 1990s. We have expended a great deal of time and money to upgrade our tower sites, transmitters, internal infrastructure as well as to keep current with normal upgrades of equipment. We have not finished adding features and we will continue to do so to provide quality service to our viewers.
We appreciate your input and look forward to offering more HD in the future.
Gary Talkiewicz-Chief Engineer
WBRE-TV
62 South Franklin St.
Wilkes-Barre, PA 18701-1201
