CBS4 - WHBF Quad Cities, IL-IA News Weather SportsCBS4 in High Definition

CBS4 in High Definition

CBS4, the CBS affiliate in the Quad Cities, now offers a full-power, high-definition signal. We broadcast CBS 1080i HD programming when it is offered by the network.  Some syndicated shows like Entertainment Tonight and Dr. Oz are also being broadcast in high-definition.  Those programs in high definition are, by definition, produced in the 16:9 ratio.  At this time, all other programming is broadcast in standard definition and displayed in its native 4:3 picture ratio.    You will notice a difference in picture quality as programming changes from true-high definition to the upconverted standard-definition signal.   On our digital signal, we are also providing 5.1 Dolby SurroundSound when it is available.

As of June 12, 2009, our digital signals are being broadcast over the air on 4.1 and 4.2, in the VHF portion of the broadcast spectrum.   Our high definition signal is can also be found on most Mediacom systems and on the DirecTV satellite system.

While all of the other digital signals in the Quad City area originate from Orion, IL, WHBF-TV's broadcast tower is located in Bettendorf, IA near the corner of Middle Road and Devil's Glen.   In addition, because WHBF-TV's digital signal has moved back to the VHF spectrum, in order to get ALL Quad City stations, you will need an antenna that is capable of receiving both VHF and UHF signals, and it must be oriented properly toward the signals' source for best reception.

If you live in a location where it you cannot point a single antenna to both tower sites, you may look into a "yagi" type antenna or, in some cases, two antennas.  Each antenna points to a specific tower site and the two are joined using a "combiner".  Most people will do well with a configuration of UHF "yagi" antennas.  Your local TV repair shop of electronic supply store can recommend an antenna that is right for your situation.

It is important to note that, because of the unique characteristics of a digital VHF signal, an indoor antenna may not be sufficient for the reception of WHBF-TV, especially if you live outside the immediate Quad City metro area. 

Another great source of helpful information about outdoor antennas and the necessary adjustments can be found online at www.antennaweb.org

Remember that an improper or poorly adjusted antenna can cause intermittent loss of picture and sound. Unlike regular analog TV, you will not get a snowy picture with a weak digital signal, it is all or nothing.  You either see it or you don't so if the signal from your antenna is weak or borderline, you may sometimes see a picture and other times, nothing at all.

If you have exhausted your other options, please feel free to email our chief engineer Ron Schmidt with your questions and we will do our best to help you solve your digital reception problems.  Contact him at rschmidt@cbs4qc.com

Thank you for watching CBS4 in HDTV.