Red Phone: Lights leave neighborhood in the dark

”
The first eight street lights on Burnett Avenue seem to be going
off one at a time and at one time all the lights are off for about
two minutes and the street is pitch dark. This happens all night
long, but I’m not sure how long this has been going on.
”
“The first eight street lights on Burnett Avenue seem to be going off one at a time and at one time all the lights are off for about two minutes and the street is pitch dark. This happens all night long, but I’m not sure how long this has been going on.”

Dear In the Dark, Red Phone contacted Mori Struve, deputy director of public works, who said the technician found the problem.

“The lights were repaired (the week of Feb. 2),” Struve said, noting the technician discovered the problem before Red Phone asked for a reply.

So good caller, the lights are on.

Will I lose local channels?

“I have installed a digital converter box and when the digital switch comes I will lose connection to every single channel that is VHF. That is channels 2, 4, 5, 7, 9, 8 and 11. I can get a number of the UHF channels on the digital, but I can’t get any of the aforementioned channels which means I lose ABC, NBC, CBS and Fox. It seems that the only people that make out well on this are cable and satellite providers. Thank you.”

Dear Converted, Red Phone contacted the Federal Communications Commission via e-mail.

Here is the response: “During the transition to digital TV, many stations are temporarily operating at reduced power levels. If you are not receiving certain digital TV stations, this does not necessarily mean there is a problem with your antenna or receiver. Check with the TV station or their Web site to find out whether they are planning changes that will improve reception.  

“Many antennas need to be oriented or aimed to get the best signal from the desired station. While adjusting your antenna, it may be helpful to access the ‘signal strength meter’ on your converter box or digital television to determine whether your adjustments are improving the signals’ strength. Refer to the owner’s manual for detailed instruction.

“Web sites such as www.antennaweb.org provide information on the locations of digital broadcast towers and the types of antennas appropriate for the digital stations you can receive at your location.