FOX11 Survival Guide

Are you a Time Warner Cable subscriber who temporarily lost FOX11 and are looking for alternative ways to view programming you'd find on FOX?  Live in an area in Northeast Wisconsin where it's difficult to get good FOX11 reception?  Live in an area where only Time Warner Cable is available?

Fox Cities TV presents the THE FOX11 SURVIVAL GUIDE, your concise guide to alternative ways to view FOX programming until FOX11 is restored on Time Warner Cable.

1) ONLINE STREAMING / DOWNLOADS

Now it's easier than ever to watch FOX when and where you want.  There are free websites like Hulu.com or FOX On Demand where you can view full episodes for free, or download-for-pay options like iTunes which let you download shows to own for a small per-episode charge, which can be synced with an iPod or watched on your TV with an Apple TV device.

The following table is a list of current and past FOX shows available online.  Only three shows (American Idol, Don't Forget The Lyrics and So You Think You Can Dance) are not available online as of October 2008.

Please note that no online provider can provide streaming or download of FOX Sports, including NFL Football games.

Last updated October 2, 2008. *=iTunes shows typically cost $1.99 per episode in standard-definition, or $2.99 in HD.  Prices vary and are subject to change.

2) FOX SPORTS AT LOCAL BARS / RESTAURANTS

If you mainly watch FOX11 for FOX Sports or Packer games, we would highly recommend frequenting local bars or restaurants that offer TVs for viewing sporting events.  It is not known how long a stalemate between Time Warner Cable would last, but catching FOX Sports at a local establishment is not only a great way to enjoy the game, you are also supporting local business at the same time!

If any local businesses carry FOX11 during the stalemate and would like us to list their business here, e-mail mail@foxcitiestv.com with that information and we'll post it here.

3) SPORTS ON LOCAL RADIO

Local radio stations like WHBY (AM 1150), WIXX (101.1 FM) and WTAQ (AM 1360) carry sports offered on FOX as well.  WHBY and WIXX both carry the Packers Radio Network, which brings you play-by-play coverage of the Packers with veteran sportscasters Wayne Larivee and Larry McCarren.  WHBY and WTAQ are both Brewers Radio Network affiliates as well, should the Milwaukee Brewers advance to the National League Championships.

4) OTHER CABLE / SATELLITE PROVIDERS

If none of the above options are feasible and antenna-reception is not optimal for you, FOX11 WLUK is available on other Northeast Wisconsin cable, telco or satellite operators.  LIN TV and WLUK have recently come to agreements with DISH Network and DirecTV, as well as Charter, Comcast and AT&T U-Verse.  All have WLUK in both standard and high-definition.  Service availability varies by area, so check with these respective providers to see if service is available to you.

If you would like to use an antenna to view FOX programming, you have the following options.

 If you are planning on receiving FOX11 with an antenna, they are currently still broadcasting both an analog (channel 11) and digital/HD (channel 51) signal.

ANALOG.  If you are still using an older television and do not yet have a digital-to-analog converter box, you may have an easier time getting a signal with most antennas, however the strength of the signal combined with the type of antenna may affect the clarity of your reception.

If you are using a directional antenna, aim it toward FOX11's analog broadcast tower (noted by the "A" on the map).  If you want precise directions to aim your antenna from your address, visit antennaweb.org.

DIGITAL.  If you are using a DTV converter box or have a newer TV with a digital (or "ATSC") tuner built in, aim your antenna at FOX11's digital broadcast tower (noted as "D" on the map).  If you are having difficulty receiving a reliable signal (program stutters, freezing, dropouts, etc), you may need a different type of antenna, or may need to relocate it to a higher elevation.  Attic and rooftop antennas work best.  To find aiming directions, or the type and size of antenna you may need to receive a usable signal from FOX11 over the air, visit antennaweb.org.

ANTENNA RECEPTION FROM OTHER WISCONSIN MARKETS

Looking for over-the-air FOX programming from someone other than FOX 11?  It is a bit difficult, but not unheard of, to receive FOX affiliate signals from other markets in Wisconsin if you have a good antenna and the geography/topography to do so.  Most likely, you will need a roof-top antenna setup to achieve this.  We have heard from a few readers who are now receiving FOX Network signals from out of the area.

Wausau.  WFXS (channel 55) currently only broadcasts an analog signal over the air.  On February 17, 2009, the station will change from analog directly to digital.  (Their HD service is currently only available locally via Charter Communications).

Milwaukee.  WITI currently broadcasts both a digital (ch. 33) and analog (ch. 6) signal.  The transmitter is located in Milwaukee suburb Shorewood.

We would suggest seeking the advice and services of a professional antenna installer if you plan to set up an antenna to receive out-of-market TV channels.

To add, update or correct any information found in this guide, please e-mail mail@foxcitiestv.com.