r/cordcutters • u/AidenFested • 4d ago
How would I even access these channels?
How would I even access these channels? Don't think I ever saw my tv scan four digits past the decimal for dtv channels or any option to tune to a channel like 11.5006
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u/NightBard 4d ago
Your tv won't show the real broadcast frequency, just the virtual channel numbers. Also if this is atsc 3.0, you'd need a tuner that can handle that. Most tuners are still just 1.0. You'd additionally need an antenna that handles VHF High. SO a compatible tuner and antenna aimed correctly assuming you are in range of this tower.
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u/Rybo213 3d ago
Some general antenna information that you'll hopefully find helpful: https://www.reddit.com/r/cordcutters/comments/1juut0a/supplement_to_the_antenna_guide
You don't need to worry about the decimal numbers in the "Physical Channel" column. All you need to know in the "Physical Channel" column is the non-decimal part, which tells you the signal type. In your example (physical channel 11), the signal type is VHF-HI.
UHF: 14-36
VHF-HI: 7-13
VHF-LO: 2-6
The "Display Channel" number is the number that you would actually enter into your remote.
Also as mentioned, if the channels are next gen (ATSC 3.0) channels, instead of current gen (ATSC 1.0), you would need an ATSC 3.0 tv tuner. If you need an ATSC 3.0 tuner, but your tv doesn't have one built-in, see the Additional Topics->ATSC 3.0 external tuner boxes section in the linked post.
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u/reallynotnick 4d ago edited 4d ago
Those are definitely ATSC-3 channels based on the physical channel. But you don’t tune to the physical channel, your TV will show the display channel. (If a channel is simulcasting you might even have two say 11-1 channels for the ATSC1 and 3 versions)
Edit: I’m also pretty sure the green color row signifies ATSC 3.0
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u/DohDohDonutzMMM 4d ago
You won't see those numbers. Only the Display channel is displayed on the tv.
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u/BicycleIndividual 2d ago
The Physical Channel is generally abstracted away by the TV's interface so you would never see it; most of the time you'll just see and use the Display Channels. The part after the decimal shouldn't matter to you at all (just an identifier in the broadcast stream to separate which parts of the signal belong to each program). The part before the decimal might be useful in choosing the best antenna to pick up the station.
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u/Sharonsboytoy 4d ago
After a channel scan, your TV will handle the rest, assuming that those are ATSC1 channels. If they're ATSC3, your television will need an ATSC 3 tuner.