The FCC has released two free map books showing in detail the impact of the digital conversion on every US TV station. Most stations come out winners, with 89% gaining net coverage, and 11% losing.
Stations losing coverage area can regain it using several methods, according to the FCC. Options include changing channels or antenna patterns, translators within a single frequency distributed transmission system (DTS), or conventional translators and fill in stations.
The FCC study doesn’t take into account cable TV carriage or existing translators. The Commission has pledged every resource to help stations mitigate coverage loss. It also released a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to create a replacement digital translator service for full service stations. STA’s will be available while the rulemaking is pending.
Providing optimum digital TV signals through the transmission chain, including translators and cable systems will be a high priority for broadcasters. The Kathrein MSK-200, available through LBA, is a premier instrument for analyzing the entire digital signal path. Contact John George to discuss your transport stream and RF monitoring needs.
The map book of all TV station coverage changes is at http://www.fcc.gov/dtv/markets/, and that of stations only loosing coverage is at http://www.fcc.gov/dtv/markets/report2.html.
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