KFVS12 News & Weather Cape Girardeau, Carbondale, Poplar BluffDigital Transition is Complete

Digital Transition is Complete

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For nearly two years we've been informing viewers about the Big Switch.  Now the KFVS12 transition to digital-only television is complete.

Recanned your converter box but still can't get our digital signal? Click here for new information from the FCC regarding a re-scan prodedure (Double Scanning) that could help, and for other digital reception tips.

We've learned that some viewers are having success by using an FM Trap. This is a small, inexpensive filter installed between the antenna and the receiver that "traps" out FM interferrence that may be causing issues with our signal.

Download a new DTV Made Easy guide from the FCC
(2mb PDF file, make take several minutes to load)

Just after midnight on the evening of Thursday, June 11th, we permanently shut down our analog transmitter.  At that time, a team of KFVS12 engineers began the process of transferring our digital signal from UHF channel 57, to VHF channel 12.  We are now on the air on channel 12.

Up to this time, if you've watched our digital signal, your tuner has received it on UHF channel 57 (even though it may have displayed it as channel 12.1).  Now tuners will need to receive our digital signal on channel 12. This is why, for all antenna viewers, it is essential that you remember to perform a channel re-scan function on your converter boxes or digital receivers. You may have to re-scan a couple of times for your receiver to find the new channel 12 digital signal. You should refer to your owners' manual for re-scan instructions for your specific converter box.

For antenna viewers still watching analog TV's, if you don't already have one, you'll need a digital converter box connected to a VHF/UHF combo antenna pointed at our transmitter located 8.5 miles north of Cape Girardeau.  Digital converter boxes are available at many electronic retailers. 

Cable and satellite viewers should not be affected.  Cable and satellite providers are supposed to convert our digital signal so that analog TV's will be able to display it.  

If you still have digital reception issues please call our main number for DTV help:
573-335-1212
weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

The FCC indicates that free, in-home converter box installation may be available. The help is designated as either "basic" or "expert."  To see if this is available where you live, and for a list of local FCC approved installers, go to DTV.gov and enter your zip code in the field provided.  Or you can call 1-888-Call FCC for more information on the free, in-home installation.  The FCC has recommended Best Buy at 877-229-3889 for the entire Heartland viewing area.  Pierce Electric based out of Springfield, Missouri is serving all of the state of Missouri.  Call 877-484-2288.

For local antenna installation we also recommend Southard TV at 573-243-3285.  For local antenna questions and advice, contact Charles Gidcumb at 618-252-3017.

At antennaweb.org, you can enter your zip code and the site will tell you how far away you live from area transmitters and what kind of antenna you need to pick up your local stations.

There is a location in the Heartland with free walk-in help:

DTV Walk-in Center
Carbondale Public Library - 405 W. Main Street
Now through June 19th - Noon to 8:00 p.m.

The government's DTV web site also has useful information localized to your zip code.  Just go to DTV.gov and enter your zip code for more information, including free in-home services to help with converter box installation.

You can also call the FCC help number directly at 1-888-225-5322.