A CBS Owned and Operated Station
The WFOR Story
WFOR-TV (CBS4) has served South Florida in many ways since first signing on the air in 1967, as WCIX-TV, owned by Coral Television.
When WCIX signed on the air, as an independent station it aired mostly re-runs and sitcoms, like the Old Abbot and Costello shows from the 50's.
The local owners had been successful in their efforts to convince the federal government to move the license from Islamorada, in the Florida Keys, to the mainland, where it could serve more people. We were assigned Channel Six, and allowed to build a tower in Homestead. We were the first independent, or non-network, station to serve the Miami-Fort Lauderdale area, offering a mix of movies, network re-runs, and original programming.
A few years later, we added the first prime-time newscast in South Florida, Eyewitness News at 10:00. From our studios in a donut-shaped building on Brickell Avenue, we launched a number of firsts; the first South Florida station to broadcast on two channels to improve our service; the first local station to offer programming simultaneously in Spanish and English, to serve South Florida's growing Hispanic population.
A New Home
In 1985, we moved from our original studio location in downtown Miami to our new, state of the art facility in the Doral area. See Map.
The station's direction changed significantly when, in 1988, the CBS Television network announced it was purchasing the station, and moving CBS programming to it effective January 1, 1989. The decision rocked local television, causing a musical chairs effect which caused three local stations to swap network affiliations, in a move referred to as the Big Switch. Under the ownership of CBS, WCIX significantly expanded its news coverage, adding news at 5:00, 5:30, 6:00, 11:00, and later, Noon . CBS made a major commitment to turn a small independent station into a major network owned and operated station, upgrading studio equipment, sets, and staff.
Our Biggest Challenge
A major setback came in 1992, when South Florida was devastated by Hurricane Andrew. The path of the hurricane took it directly past the WCIX tower, where 200 MPH plus winds did their worst. At the moment we were covering the biggest news story in South Florida history, our tower had been thrown to the ground by the hurricane winds, and we were off the air. Within hours, battered and bruised, we were again transmitting coverage of the disaster, using a low power station in Fort Lauderdale. Within a day, independent channel 39 was carrying our newscasts. Within a week, we were back on the air, using an emergency transmitter on a borrowed tower. Even as we struggled to recover, our staff, many of whose homes were devastated by the storm, helped create Neighbors Helping Neighbors, a grass roots charitable organization which was a major force in helping people rebuild. In the new millenium, that organization lives on as Neighbors 4 Neighbors, still supported by our company.
It took us two years to rebuild our tower, and our audience. Within months after returning to our new, state of the art transmitting facility, we learned that we would soon be giving it away.
A New Spot on the Dial
In yet another major change for South Florida Television, CBS and NBC, which owns a station in Miami, announced that as part of a larger, nationwide deal, their Miami stations would be swapping positions on the dial. WCIX Channel Six would cease to exist, and WFOR-TV, Channel 4, would take its place at 1 am on September 10th, 1995. Same network, same people, just a different spot on the dial. The changes were not over. Within weeks, Westinghouse Electric, which had entered into an agreement between its Group W Broadcasting subsidiary and CBS to share ownership of WFOR, announced it would merge with CBS by the end of 1995.
Our new corporate parent again made a major commitment to expand its new Channel 4, promptly adding a new, early morning newscast, hiring popular local weathercaster Brian Norcross, our WFOR Chief Forecaster, and promising to make WFOR the dominant station for news in South Florida
At the end of 1997, another change, with the decision by Westinghouse to concentrate on broadcasting. The company took the name of its broadcasting division, becoming CBS Corporation, the largest broadcaster in the world.
A Media Giant
In 2000, CBS came full circle and merged with Viacom, a company which was created decades ago from the syndication division of CBS. The merger, which made CBS a subsidiary of Viacom, creates a powerhouse media company with over 30 local TV stations, including WFOR and UPN 33 in Miami and UPN34 in West Palm Beach. In 2001, CBS4 began producing a 10pm newscast for UPN33, and in 2002, business and weather updates for UPN34
In 2003, CBS expanded its commitment to the community by dedicated a new, state of the art News Department expansion, fully equipped for digital Digital broadcasting. In early fall, CBS4 once again increased the number of hours of news produced each week, by adding early morning newscasts on both Saturday and Sunday morning.
In 2005, Viacom and CBS again became separate companies, with CBS4 and other other local TV stations remaining with CBS Broadcasting, and most of the company's cable TV properties moving to Viacom.
In 2006, UPN and the WB network combined to form the CW network, but in Miami, UPN33 became an affiliate of the new MyTV network.
In 2007, CBS sold its West Palm Beach stations, with CBS4 and My33 remaining as CBS-Owned stations in South Florida.
The Future in High-Definition
WFOR moved into the new millennium by transmitting a digital, High-Defnition TV signal, through a brand new transmission facility which will allow us to transmit crystal clear digital pictures and CD quality sound to South Florida. That service began May 1, 2001, and CBS4 quickly became the dominant HDTV broadcaster in South Florida, with dozens of hours of HDTV Programming a week.
A growing number of sports and special broadcasts are being transmitted in high definition, and CBS will continue to lead the way in providing this exciting new programming to South Florida.
We have big plans for what you see on TV, and we think you'll like what's in sight. CBS4 is committed to South Florida, and to providing the best news and information anywhere. We've been doing it for almost 40 years, and while the technology may change, the commitment of our company and the people who bring our programming to you never will.
Map and Directions
CBS4 is in the CBS South Florida Broadcast Center, along with My33, in the Doral area, approximately 9 miles west of downtown Miami, and 4 miles west of Miami International Airport.
FROM MIAMI & M.I.A.
Take SR 836 west to the NW 87th Avenue/NW 12th Street exit. Go west on 12th Street to 87th Avenue. Turn North on 87th Avenue and proceed half a mile to NW 18th Terrace, a left turn (Macaroni Grill is at the corner). CBS4 is at 8900 NW 18th Terrace.
FROM NORTH OR SOUTH
Take the Palmetto (SR 826) to NW 25th Street. Exit westbound on 25th and proceed half a mile to 87th Avenue. Turn South on 87th Avenue and proceed half a mile to NW 18th Terrace, a right turn (Macaroni Grill is at the corner). CBS4 is at 8900 NW 18th Terrace
Security Note:
All visitors to the CBS Broadcast Center and CBS4 are required to show proper identification and be cleared by station security. Authorized visitors will be given a temporary ID, which must be worn at all times while in the building, and returned when leaving. Limited free visitor parking, including handicapped parking, is located near the front entrance to the studios.
DELIVERIES:
All deliveries to the VIacom center must be authorized by security. Please check in with the security officer at the main entrance for instructions and access. Deliveries can be made only during normal business hours except by prior arrangement.
Reception Issues
WFOR Broadcasts from a tower located at the Miami-Dade/Broward county line, and is technically capable of delivering a quality signal to all of Miami-Dade and Broward Counties. Our expected signal range is about 65 miles in a radius around the transmitter, but reception should also be possible in Collier, Palm Beach, and Monroe Counties under good conditions and with the proper antenna.
Using the correct antenna is probably the single biggest thing you can do to ensure good reception. Connecting it properly is also important.
RABBIT EARS ANTENNA
This type of antenna is commonly sold with smaller televisions, and is adequate if you live within a ten mile circle of the tower. In order to be effective, you should locate the antenna near a window, away from electrical sources, and you may have to make a number of adjustments to receive the best picture. You may get widely varying reception on different stations, especially if they broadcast from different locations. WFOR does not recommend this type of antenna because it is limited in effectiveness.
ROOFTOP ANTENNA
Most homes in South Florida should have a rooftop antenna for best reception. The antenna should have elements for both VHF (such as channel 4) and UHF (such as channel 17) reception; most common antennas are so equipped. If you are not familiar with safety procedures or feel uncomfortable on the roof, HAVE YOUR ANTENNA INSTALLED BY A QUALIFIED INSTALLER. WFOR does not recommend installers.
Once installed, your antenna should be positioned properly. On a map, locate Pro Player Stadium or Calder Race Track (Turnpike and University/27th Ave). Determine the compass direction the stadium lies from your house, and point your antenna in that direction. For example, if you live in Hallandale, by the beach, you would point your antenna due west. If You live in Weston, point your antenna Southeast. Those who live in Homestead, point your antenna North North East.
Once your antenna is installed and positioned, it must be corrected to the television set properly. On newer sets, a single coaxial cable (round) connection will bring both UHF and VHF channels into your set. If you have an older set, you may have to use a splitter, available an any electronics store, to separate the signals. Often, older sets use screw terminals. Make sure the proper cable is connected to each terminal, or your signal will be weak and snowy.
If you have multiple TV sets, you can weaken the signal going to each one. To correct this, you may install a signal booster between the antenna and your TV sets to increase the level of the signal.
If you live close to our tower, you may experience an especially strong signal which interferes with other channels. Radio Shack sells an ATTENUATOR which reduces the level of a TV signal coming into your set.
MASTER ANTENNA SYSTEM
If you live in a condo or apartment building and do not have cable TV, you may be connected to a master antenna system. This system takes TV signals, amplifies them, and sends them to your unit.
There is simply no excuse for a properly installed and maintained Master Antenna system to have a poor signal on Channel 4. If you do, contact your building manager or association immediately, as the equipment needs to be adjusted or repaired.
Occasionally, the components of a Master antenna system fail. This makes it look as though some TV stations are off the air. If your portable TV with rabbit ears gets a picture but your main TV hooked to the master antenna does not, it's a safe bet the master antenna system needs work. Do NOT call WFOR to report problems, as we cannot fix them.
CABLE TV SYSTEM
If you have Cable TV, your system operator receives a picture from Channel 4 at his headquarters, and distributes it through cables to homes in it's system. All elements are professionally installed and maintained, and should provide you with a crystal clear signal on all channels. If this is not the case, do NOT call channel 4. We cannot change the picture the cable companies supply. IF your picture is snowy or ghosty, please complain to your cable company. Don't allow them to say Channel 4 is 'too far away'. Their professional equipment is capable of receiving a picture from up to 100 miles away!
DIGITAL TV
WFOR began digital broadcasting in 2001, and and on our digital channel dozens of hours of programming each week are shown in High Definition (HD). Not all programs on our digital channel are in high definition, though the number of programs in HD increases every month. Many cable companies and satellite providers now provide CBS4 Digital. Additional service or equipment may be required at an additional cost to see ths Digital picture; CBS has no control over their fees or requirements.
FLORIDA KEYS
Reception has become a problem since the Keys Translator service folded. Reception is possible in the Upper Keys, but below Islamorada, you might want to consider a satellite dish (below).
SATELLITE DISHES
If you replace Cable TV with a satellite dish (C-Band or DSS [DirecTV, Dish Network), you will lose access to local TV channels unless you install an antenna, preferably a rooftop antenna, or unless you pay a monthly fee to select providers which offer local service via satellite.
DirecTV and Dish Network offer the Miami Network TV stations via satellite, and in January, 2002, they expanded that service to include most Miami market television stations. These are available ONLY in Broward, Miami-Dade and Monroe Counties, and carry an extra charge from your satellite provider. No waiver is required for this service for residents of these counties, and CBS4 does not grant waivers to anyone living outside these counties, including outside the US.
By law, local TV signals cannot be delivered by satellite to anyone outside of their local viewing area. If you have questions, please contact your satellite provider.
Internet Streaming Video
CBS4 is now offering Streaming Video on cbs4news.com, allowing us to bring you special coverage and events as they happen, directly to your desktop. However, there are a few things you need to know to get the most out of this great video tool!
WHAT WILL WE SHOW?
We'll show you special news broadcasts, like hurricane coverage, and special events, such as the Marlins victory parade. We won't show you regular newscasts except for our noon broadcast, sports broadcasts, or any CBS entertainment programs. Unfortunately, lots of rules apply to the use of video on the web, and we can only show you certain things.
HOW DO I SEE IT?
Streaming video uses Windows Media Player. You need to have it installed before you can see the video stream. Certain browsers, most notably Netscape 7 browsers, have trouble with some Windoes Media Player content. The player works on Windows and Macintosh, though some Mac software has issues with Windows Media Player. Note: Our regular news videos are presented in Flash, which plays on virtually any platform. However, we do not currently use Flash for live webcasts.
WHY DOES THE VIDEO STUTTER OR STALL?
When you watch videos online, you are seeing our video picture, sent to a server, which distributes the video to you as digital data. This server, operated by Dayport, can take thousands of viewers at once; however, network conditions between the server and your computer can sometimes cause the video to stutter or even stop. This can reduce 'bandwidth', the pathy from your computer to the server, and prevent smooth playback. This is especially likely in times when the internet is getting heavy usage. It's normal, and is not a problem with our system.
CAN I DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT?
If you feel comfortable with Windows Media Player, you can change settings so that it uses a lsser quality to play the videos. The picture won't be as good, but since it uses less 'bandwidth', it's more likely to play smoothly when the network is congested. You can usually right-click (in Windows) on the video panel to access the settings.
CAN I RECORD THE VIDEO?
Unfortunately, there's no way to record the video from the stream.
CAN I LINK TO THE VIDEO ON MY WEBSITE?
Our links to the video stream make special references to our website which don't work on other websites. You can always link to us and allow people to click on the link to the video.
Digital TV Facts
There are many benefits to having Digital TV and High Definition Television. There are a lot of reasons to consider to making the switch, most based on the fundamental difference between digital TV and our current 'analog' system: amazing detail, progressive scanning, digital audio, no ghosting images, signal coverage over a wider viewing area, among others.
Another reason: Eventually, digital TV will be the only form of TV in North America; existing TV channels will be replaced by digital channels, and older TVs which are not digital will need decoders to work.
Here is an explanation of some of the benefits Digital TV on CBS4 and My33 offers:
The New Aspect Ratio
Current televisions are based upon the aspect ratio of 4:3. This means a TV with an aspect ratio of 4:3 will be 3 feet high and 4 feet wide. With HDTV the aspect ratio is 16:9, making the image much wider than a normal TV. The new screen size is 33% wider to be exact.
This allows you to view TV and movies as if you were watching them in a theater, using part of your peripheral vision, which makes you feel like you are a part of the program.
Resolution
Normal TV (NTSC TV) can display is 525 scan lines with 480 actually being visible, and that translates to about 210,000 pixels per image. High Definition TV's can go all the way up to 1920 (horizontal) x 1080 (vertical) pixels, with a total of 2,073,600 pixels per image. That is ten times the resolution and picture quality. It's easy to see why HDTV looks so much better.
Sound Quality
High Definition television also has 5.1 channels of CD-quality surround sound (left, right, center, left rear, right rear, and low frequency effects - AKA bass). With the older NTSC standard you only get two channels of audio, which allows for stereo. With HDTV you are listening to the type of sound which is the same that is used in most movie theaters, DVD players and home entertainment systems!
No More Ghosting
Many of the problems seen in regular TV broadcasts will disappear with digital TV. Many times signal quality is not perfect when watching regular NTSC television, which gives you what are called 'ghost images'. A ghost image is when you see two of the same person next to each other, as if there is a ghost of that person next to himself.
With a digital signal you will always get a perfect image as long as the TV is receiving a quality signal.
Multicasting
Multicasting is when a broadcaster sends multiple signals out over the same channel. Usually when multicasting, the quality of the broadcast is less than that of HDTV, but it is almost always better than regular NTSC television. Currently, my33 has no plans to multicasting.
One constant in the move to digital TV is that every TV station is required to change channels, because we're required to turn on our digital signal while still operating our current 'analog' channel. This has caused some confusion among people making the switch, although for the most part, your new digital tuner should handle the change with no fuss.
SETTING UP YOUR SYSTEM FOR DIGITAL
First, you need to understand that most cable TV and Satellite companies are NOT currently transmitting digital versions of TV stations to their customers. To receive local digital broadcasts, such as my 33, you will need to invest in an external antenna, preferably a rooftop antenna. To receive all broadcasts, the antenna should be capable of both UHF and VHF reception, and needs to be aimed in the proper direction.
OUR ANTENNA
Our digital antenna is located near Pro Player Stadium at the MIami-Dade/Broward county line. To properly orient yourself, refer to the map. To properly choose the direction in which your antenna should be aimed, it's helpful to know the map coordinates in latitude and longitude, which are 25° 58' 2" N 80° 12' 34" W. You can also refer to the map, determining where the transmitter is in relation to your neighborhood, and aiming your antenna in that direction.
Our digital signal is 1 million watts, and the antenna is 861 feet above sea level. Your ability to receive the signal is a function of your distance from the transmitter and the size and quality of your antenna. We have had reliable reports of reception from the Upper Keys to West Palm Beach, but you may not match those results.
NEW CHANNEL
WBFS-DT, as our digital channel is known, can be found on UHF Channel 32, not on channel 33, which will remain our 'analog' broadcast station for the next few years, until the switch to all digital television is complete.
Since so many people identify TV stations by channel, including the stations themselves (as in my33), stations will continue to use those old channel designations with their new digital channels, usually by appending a letter on the channel number in your digital tuner. Thus, for many tuners, WBFS-DT is identified as 33-A. Confused? Don't be. Your set will sort it out.
JUST STATIC
If you don't have a tuner capable of displaying digital TV, you will see nothing but static on digital TV stations. Digital television is transmitted in a completely different fashion than current TV signals, which is why the new channels don't interfere with the current TV stations, even, in the case of my33, when the regular and digital channels are right next to each other on the dial.
You don't need a fancy high-definition TV set to see the digital channels; add on tuners are available for regular TV sets, although TV sets not specifically designed to receive HIgh Definition TV broadcasts will see few benefits in making the switch.
IS DIGITAL THE SAME AS HDTV?
Not really. In order to transmit pictures in HDTV, a station must be transmitting a digital signal. However, many stations transmitting a digital signal simply re-transmit the regular picture from their current channel, in a process called up-converting. Different TV sets handle this in different ways, and you can often choose the method. If your digital TV is in wide-screen format, you can stretch those up-converted pictures to fill the screen, if you choose. my33 transmits up-converted pictures in standard, or 4:3 format, which means there will usually be blank bars at the sides of a wide format TV screen. This is normal. When my33 transmits a HDTV Program, it will be shown full screen, in greatly improved resolution and clarity.
PROBLEM SOLVING
While we would like you to have the best viewing experience possible, we don't have the staff to answer all of your DIgital TV questions directly. We can't help with antenna or set adjustment and set-up, and we don't make recommendations about equipment. We urge you to consult qualified professional in that regard. If you believe there is a problem with our transmissions, please contact us by e-mail on the feedback bag, and we will do our best to answer your questions.
