DEAR SUN SPOTS: I’ve been experiencing audio problems (voice sounds scratchy) with channel 156 in my Time Warner Cable package over the last couple of months. I spoke with a TWC representative and was told the problem lies with the station’s signal (Channel 8) and not their signal.

I’ve searched online and in the phone book for contact information in order to reach Channel 8 and have been unsuccessful. Could you please provide me with the necessary information so I can seek a solution to the problem?

Thank you. — David, Lewiston

ANSWER: Sun Spots started by talking to Joli Plucknette-Farmen, public relations manager at Time Warner Cable, who said that they “have identified an issue with WMTW’s feed and have been in touch with their engineers to resolve the issue for our customers as quickly as possible.”

Sun Spots also emailed with engineer Gary at WMTW, who said:

“We believe the problem has been remedied at this time. There was some new equipment that was installed that we have had to adjust to correct the audio problem you refer to.”

If you have further difficulties, the easiest way to contact WMTW is via its website contact page (www.wmtw.com/tv/about), where you can email various departments.

Otherwise, the mailing address is WMTW-TV 8, 99 Danville Corner Road, Auburn, ME 04210. General inquiries can be made to 782-1800. Report breaking news at 800-248-6397 or wmtw@wmtw.com.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I enjoy reading you every day. 

Can you find out why during the day and evening programs on Channel 6 we keep seeing the message “digital strength is low” slogan coming on all the time? Can’t Channel 6 do something about that?

We have an antenna on our roof. Thank you. — No Name, Hebron

ANSWER: The message you are seeing is the digital equivalent of the old analog “snow” and static you used to get on your TV before the change to all-digital broadcasting. It is telling you that the signal you are getting is very weak. If the signal gets too low, it will disappear all together and you will see “no signal” appear on your screen.

Sun Spots supposes that Channel 6 or any other entity that uses radio waves can apply to the Federal Communications Commission for permission to boost their signal, but with so many people watching TV via cable and satellite, it’s unlikely to happen.

However, you can try and boost your ability to receive signals. If your antenna is old, you might want to invest in a newer model, as the technology has improved. Or you could try to raise your antenna higher (Sun Spots has hers mounted at the top of an old windsurfing mast) or rotate your antenna’s direction.

Signals vary seasonally. In the winter Sun Spots gets channels 6, 8, 10 and 23, but in the summer mostly just 10 and occasionally 23. She has thought about going on the roof and turning the antenna but decided she prefers gardening to going on the roof and watching Channel 23 anyway.

Perhaps readers will have other suggestions.

This column is for you, our readers. It is for your questions and comments. There are only two rules: You must write to the column and sign your name (we won’t use it if you ask us not to). Please include your phone number. Letters will not be returned or answered by mail, and telephone calls will not be accepted. Your letters will appear as quickly as space allows. Address them to Sun Spots, P.O. Box 4400, Lewiston, ME 04243-4400. Inquiries can also be emailed to sunspots@sunjournal.com.

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