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Graham Brock, Inc. |
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Broadcast Technical Consultants |
| Vol. XIII, No. 3 |
R. Stuart Graham, Jr. |
| March 2006 |
Jefferson G. Brock |
Second Round DTV Process
to Conclude |
| The FCC is completing its review of the second round
of digital channel selections for full power TV
stations. The second round was for stations with one
channel inside the core spectrum and one outside. The
Commission is still reviewing conflicts for about thirty
stations, which has delayed the conclusion of this
round. The third and final selection round will follow
the completion of round two. |
| As we reported last month, the FCC issued a
Public Notice announcing a filing window for
companion digital LPTV stations for existing
licensees and permittees. The companion digital
channel is only open to present licensees and
permittees. The window for filing an application
will open May 1, 2006 and close May 12, 2006. The
FCC will also place a freeze on the filing of minor
change applications for LPTV, TV translator and
Class A LPTV stations from April 3, 2006 until the
close of the digital filing window. In order to file
a companion digital request, a review of available
channels must be made. The companion facility must
also re-transmit the same programming as its analog
counterpart. Existing stations that either cannot
locate a companion channel that meets the rules or
do not want to request a companion channel may
convert their analog facility to digital on their
existing channel, using the appropriate digital
parameters. An application must be submitted to
convert the existing station. |
| The Coordinates Are Wrong |
| When you consider filing for new or modified
auxiliary facilities, double check the data
before filing. In a recent project to prepare a
new STL for a client’s AM station, a local
engineer used the data from another station’s
existing STL license as the origin point for the
new STL transmitter. Upon review, the transmit
location was pinpointed along the shoulder of an
Interstate Highway. Doubting this was the actual
location of a studio, the local engineer checked
the coordinates with his GPS and confirmed that
the actual studio was one minute east of the
plotted location. The new STL was filed at the
correct location, but now a series of
modifications for the other systems must be
made. Since the cost for updating and correcting
STL’s has increased due to the amount of
frequency coordination and PCN mailings needed,
it’s better to get it right the first time.
Additionally, if the data in the ULS system is
wrong, your auxiliary facilities may not be
adequately protected. |
What Happens in Vegas
Stays in Vegas |
| The NAB spring show makes its return to
the deserts of Las Vegas again next month.
Stu, Jeff, and Marilyn will make the trek to
the desert. This convention is an excellent
opportunity to get together. If you would
like to schedule a time to meet with any of
us, please give us a call. They will be
lodging at the Bellagio. |
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