Reception problems?  Here are some tips that may help.

http://www.dtv.gov/fixreception.html

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Digital Television "Frequently Asked Questions"·

Q: Do I need a new antenna to watch digital TV?

Some viewers may need to upgrade their antenna and/or add signal amplifiers in order to receive the digital signals. We recommend the following website for more information on antennas and signals: www.dennysantennaservice.com and www.tvfool.com.

Q: Is WABI operating digital at full power?

Yes, we are.

Q: What is High Definition Television?
High definition television, or HDTV, uses the larger portion of the assigned spectrum of digital programming space to provide a single program. As a result, viewers will be able to receive crystal clear, sharp images at five times the resolution of analog television, all in a wide-screen format with surround-sound quality audio. The visually stunning pictures displayed on the wider screen (16 by 9 aspect ratio vs. the square box of 4 by 3 aspect ratio) and CD-quality sounds of HDTV create a true home theater experience.

Q: What is Multi-casting?
In Standard Definition, digital television gives each station the potential to transmit four or more programs simultaneously. Standard definition television (SDTV) multicasting uses a compression technique that's only available with a digital system. Though it's not high definition, SDTV offers higher quality images with stereo sound that far exceed the analog system. Ultimately, multi-casting provides the possibility of more over-the-air programming choices for our viewers.

We currently provide two channels: WABI-TV (CBS, 5.1) and WABI-DT2 (CW, 5.2)

While WABI-DT2 (CW) is not yet available in high definition to all area cable and satellite subscribers, we do transmit  both WABI-TV (CBS) and WABI-DT2 in HD through "statistical multiplexing" - a technology which assigns bandwidth across the two channels based on resolution needs.  WABI-DT2 HD programming includes all CW Prime Time shows, all local news programming, and the majority of syndicated offerings.  WABI DT2 began broadcasting in HD on June 15, 2012.  All local news programming, CW Network programming, and the majority of syndicated programming is broadcast in HD.

Most local cable operators carry The CW as a basic TV service, and The CW is also available as a local channel on DirecTV and Dish Network. You should contact your cable or satellite service operator with any questions regarding their carriage of the local CW station.

Q: Do I have to replace my old TV set?
Yes . . . and no. Converter boxes are available so viewers can tune into the digital channels on their analog TV sets. Cable and satellite subscribers will also be able to use their analog sets, but it's important to check with your cable or satellite company in case special equipment is required.

However, to experience all of the enhancements of Digital TV, you will need a new digital television set.

Q: Can I watch WABI-TV5 Digital on cable or satellite?

Time Warner Cable carries our digital signal, including select HD programs, on channel 705 throughout our service area, including Central Maine. The CW is available in HD on channel 710. 

DirecTV and Dish Network carry our CBS station's High Definition programming within the Bangor Designated Market Area. 

Dish Network also provides WABI-TV to subscribers in Franklin County, Kennebec County, Knox County, and Oxford County on Channel 6265. 

Equipment upgrades may be required in some cases, and you must meet specific eligibility requirements in order to receive Bangor locals in HD. Call your service provider for more information. Our CW station is not currently available in HD on these satellite services, though they do have the right to add HD service at their discretion.

Bee Line Cable currently carries both stations in HD.  Moosehead Cable provides both stations in HD to most of the communities it serves via pass-through technology. Polaris Cable delivers The CW in HD to subscribers on its Howland system.

For a list of cable and satellite channels for WABI-TV and WABI-DT2, click here: Where to Watch

Q: Technical question: What are the dimensions of a dipole for your frequency(ies), and what is/are the actual frequency(ies)?

We are broadcasting on channel 13 (210-216MHz), circular polarization. The wavelength at 216Mhz is approximately 1.4 meters. The recommended length for a dipole is .66 meters.

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Tips for rescanning converter boxes:  http://www.dtv.gov/rescan.html

. The stations will still appear as channels 5.1 and 5.2 on your TV set and/or digital converter box after the re-scan. Be sure to do a complete rescan, not just a channel addition. If channels 5.1 and 5.2 do show up on your tuner after a scan - even if the signal doesn't lock up well, you do not need to re-scan again. Instead, experiment with positioning the antenna. If you have re-scanned, and still can't pick us up, there are a few things to try.

      The first goal is to simply get channels 5.1 and 5.2 to show up again. So try repositioning your antenna for the scan. If you are using indoor rabbit ears, it is the "ears" part of the antenna that picks up our new signal, so adjusting the length and spread of the ears may help.

       Position your rabbit ears in a "V"-like pattern, then face the antenna toward the Dixmont area. If possible, moving the antenna away from the TV or other electronic devices can help, as these devices can generate localized interference with the signal. In fact, placing the antenna right against a window (or even outside) can help lock the signal in. This gives the antenna one really strong signal to better lock on to instead of having the extra noise to confuse it.  

      You will need to scan again.

                               Still having problems?

      You may need to do a complete SYSTEM OR FACTORY RESET on your converter box or tuner , if possible. This can usually be found in the menu or settings page. It's typically in the Settings or Configuration menu and labeled "SYSTEM RESET" or "RESTORE FACTORY DEFAULTS" or something like that. Doing this helps clear out some information that may be hanging these systems up. Then set it up again and scan for channels.

      If you can't find the reset function, try unplugging the unit and leaving it for an hour or two so that the memory is erased, and then just walk through on-screen instructions.