Graham Brock, Inc.
Broadcast Technical Consultants
Vol. XV, No. 8
August 2008

August Newsletter

 

STL Notifications

Did you receive a PCN (Prior Coordination Notification) announcing a station across town is making a change to their STL, and you are not sure if the change will have an impact on your system? Graham Brock, Inc., has the software necessary to make that assessment. We can monitor your system for a nominal fee, provided we receive the notice. If no response to the PCN is needed, there is no added charge. If an objection is needed, an engineering statement can be prepared.


Companion DT Applications for LPTV Stations

Sixty-four groups of mutually exclusive digital companion applications have been preliminarily set for auction. These applications were filed by existing LPTV licensees and permittees seeking a digital companion channel to operate with their analog facility. The FCC extended the period for the groups to settle until August 14, 2008 to avoid going to auction.


Digital Radio 10% Request Made

The formal request to increase digital power levels from the present 1% up to 10% has been made to the Commission. The next step is for the Commission to issue a Notice of Proposed Rule Making seeking comments on the request; so an actual implementation is not imminent. There is also the matter of added interference to adjacent channel stations and to the host analog carrier. National Public Radio conducted testing on 850 public stations and concluded that, while the added power increased the digital coverage to automobiles to a level at or better than the analog coverage, the analog coverage was degraded. Many of the early entrants to the digital realm must also consider the cost to modify their facilities to enable an increase of power.


Deep in the Heart of Texas

Stu and Jeff will attend the National Association of Broadcasters Fall Radio Show in September. For those making the trip who would like an opportunity to meet with Jeff and Stu, please let them know as soon as possible. Since the show is shorter, there will be less time for meeting and greeting.


Channels 5 and 6 to FM?

As part of the Commission’s ongoing proceeding for diversity, a group calling itself the “Broadcast Maximization Committee” has formally requested that the FCC consider the re-allotment of TV Channels 5 and 6 (76 MHz to 87 MHz) to the FM band. The Committee proposes to use the additional spectrum to accommodate LPFM expansion, the migration of AM stations to the new band, and some shifting of the non-commercial spectrum. The request also proposes that the band operate digitally, and that the bandwidth be limited to 100 kHz, rather than the present 200 kHz.


What Would You Like to See?
If you have a suggestion of a topic for an upcoming newsletter, just send us a note or email. To receive the newsletter via email please send an email to cathy@grahambrock.com.