WATERLOO - The digital television switch met with poor reception from people relying on their antennas for television.

KWWL Channel 7 in Waterloo and other stations in eastern Iowa shut off their analog signals Tuesday and began broadcast ing exclusively in digital. When the station came back on the air just before 2 p.m., even people who had been prepared for the switch weren't able to receive a signal.

"I think our biggest problem is with people using indoor antennas," said Kim Leer, KWWL station manager.

Leer said the station had more than 750 calls reporting no reception in the 24 hours following the transition.

Leer suggested resetting digital converter boxes, which allow older analog televisions to receive a digital signal.

Leer also suggested making sure people have a VHF antenna and point it directly toward the KWWL transmitter at Rowley, south of Independence. After that, she suggests getting an outdoor antenna.

Those suggestions, however, haven't solved every problem.

"Each situation is unique," she said. "Unfortunately it's not a call where you can say 'push button A' and solve the problem."

Ryan Keegan of La Porte City, which is between Waterloo and Rowley, lives closer to the KWWL transmitter than most Waterloo residents and isn't able to receive the station.

"It sounds to me like they're making you buy another antenna," he said, adding that he already spent more than $50 on an antenna. "I'm not going to be real happy if I've got to go out and spend more money."

For some, limited money is the reason they rely on the over-the-air signal.

"I can't afford cable," said John Witmer, also of La Porte City. "We can't get it at all and I've heard several people say they aren't getting it either."

The Courier received dozens of calls Wednesday from people who weren't able to receive KWWL. Most people said the were able to receive KWWL's digital signal prior to the switch.

As part of the switch, KWWL also switched channels from UHF channel 55 to VHF channel 7. Jarret Liddicoat, chief engineer at KWWL, said prior to the transition that the switch from channel 55 to channel 7 would mean the signal would be stronger and easier to receive.

On Wednesday, Leer said that other stations that switched from UHF to VHF were also receiving reports from people who can't pick up the signal.

KWWL is the only station in the market that has switched to the VHF bandwidth.

KCRG in Cedar Rapids plans to make the move in June. Under a law Congress passed earlier this month, at least one network affiliate in each market is required to keep broadcasting in analog.

"Our plan all along was to do what Channel 7 has done," said John Phelan, vice president and general manager at KCRG. He said the problems people are having receiving KWWL doesn't worry him about the preparations to switch at KCRG.

Electronics retailers and an official at the Federal Communications Commission said that the problems people have receiving KWWL seems counter intuitive.

"In theory it should be easier getting a stronger VHF signal," said Terry Root, owner of Ron' TV Maximum Sight and Sound. "It's almost the opposite of what should be happening."

"Often it's the reverse that happens," said Mark Wigfield, spokesman for the FCC.

Root said the televisions at his store at 4017 University Ave. are able to get KWWL with the building's roof-top antenna.

"I believe they're at low power," he added.

Leer, however, said the digital signal is reaching as far west as Hardin County and as far south as Lone Tree.

"It's out there and it's strong," she said.

For those wondering if KWWL will start up the old analog signal or shift back to the channel 55 digital signal, those doors are closed. Those airwaves now belong to the FCC, Leer said. Nor would Leer want to.

"We really wanted to get to a permanent home and help people move forward with us," Leer said.

Engineers and staff took calls from the switch Tuesday, into the night, all day Wednesday and Wednesday night.

While it may take a few minutes to find the solution, Leer said staff have been able to help people pull in the signal.

"Sometimes it takes a few minutes but we're willing to do what it takes and walk people through this," she said.

Contact John Molseed at (319) 291-1418 or john.molseed@wcfcourier.com