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Graham Brock, Inc. |
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Broadcast Technical Consultants |
| Vol. XV, No. 2 |
R. Stuart Graham, Jr. |
| February 2008
|
Jefferson G. Brock |
The FCC has prepared a new form to enable TV stations to
report their DTV transition status. The new Form 387 is
to be submitted to the Commission to indicate the state
of a station’s implementation to full digital operation
and must be submitted by February 19, 2008. The four
page submission requires stations to indicate their
status in implementing the full DTV facility, the status
of the analog NTSC facility, and if the DTV facility is
not operating with its permitted facilities then what is
needed to enable complete implementation (install a new
transmitter, antenna, hiring a tower crew, etc.).
Additionally, the Commission has indicated that stations
without a permit for their post transition facility
should submit an application for permit (or modification
of permit) by March 19, 2008 to receive expedited
processing for the DTV facility. This includes stations
that were not initially given a second channel for DTV
operation and must convert to digital on the existing
analog channel or sought and received a different DTV
channel than originally allotted for the station’s use.
The modifications must comply with the final DTV table
for power and height above average terrain and are
generally considered a check list application, provided
they meet the allocation table requirements. Further,
the FCC has indicated that it will lift the TV freeze on
August 17, 2008, allowing DTV facilities to seek
increases (maximization) or changes to the facility
(relocation of more than 5.0 kilometers and/or
extensions of the protected contour of the DTV
facility). |
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An AM station owner in Texas was fined for operating
with higher than authorized power at night and for
not having a main studio. On three consecutive
nights, an FCC inspector took field strength
readings after the local sunset and found that the
AM station had no discernable reduction in power.
The inspector contacted the local station manager
and engineer. The failure to reduce power was caused
by a computer at the site. The problem was remedied,
and the station is now reducing power at sunset.
However, in a discussion with the FCC, the manager
indicated there was no staff at the main studio,
which consisted of a closet in a local hair salon,
and the equipment was not functioning. The initial
fine was $11,000, but was reduced to $8,800, after
the licensee indicated it had no prior noted
violations. |
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More Power for FM HD Radio |
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The National Association of Broadcasters is
poised to request an increase in power for HD
radio facilities. Based on a recommendation of
the NAB’s Digital Radio Committee, the Board of
Directors will request an increase of power for
FM HD radio. Presently, the HD portion of a FM
transmission is limited to 1% of the analog
effective radiated power. The NAB’s request, as
noted in industry reports, increases the power
level up to 10%. The NAB says the increase is
necessary to solidify the reliability of HD2 and
HD3, which have experienced signal drop outs. |
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Spring is Approaching |
| While some of you are still knee
deep in winter conditions, it will not be long
before spring beckons. The National Association of
Broadcasters convention in Las Vegas is not far
behind. For those planning to attend, Stu, Jeff, and
Marilyn will be making the annual trek to the west
and welcome the opportunity to meet with you. If you
are planning to attend, please let them know so they
can set aside time for you. |
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What Would You Like to See? |
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If you have a suggestion of a topic for an
upcoming newsletter, just send us a note or
email. Also, if you would like to receive the
newsletter via email, rather than postal service
delivery, please send an email to
cathy@grahambrock.com. |
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