Channel 16 in Columbus

[PaulBWalkerJr]

Why do they have a CP to go from 8.2KW to 41 Watts?

 

[ol_dave]

It's an analog to digital "in place" conversion, or "digital flash cut."

They've proposed, and the FCC has allowed, the station to end its analog transmission, and begin digital transmission on the same channel, from the same tower, etc.

Based on engineering data submitted, the "service area" will remain basically the same, even considering the much lower ERP.

 

[PaulBWalkerJr]

Wow, 41 Watts will cover as much ground as 8.2KW?

 

[ol_dave]

Here's the technical narrative/exhibit attached to the application for the CP:

http://svartifoss2.fcc.gov/prod/cdbs/forms/prod/getattachment_exh.cgi?exhibit_id=394577

Additionally, note that digital television uses 8-VSB modulation, requiring much less power to cover the same area as an NTSC signal... NTSC uses amplitude modulation for the video, and frequency modulation for the audio.

 

[ssnake]

Seems to me that WRBL-DT on channel 15 with 1000kW ERP would have an adverse effect on channel 16, since the antennas are not colocated.

WTVM-DT on channel 9 had to go directional and reduce power to protect WACS-DT on channel 8, for example.

 

[PaulBWalkerJr]

I saw the map, Thansk! The antenna must be VERY high up!

Imagine what theyre going to save on eletricity!!

 

[ol_dave]

Seems to me that WRBL-DT on channel 15 with 1000kW ERP would have an adverse effect on channel 16, since the antennas are not colocated.

WTVM-DT on channel 9 had to go directional and reduce power to protect WACS-DT on channel 8, for example.

Yeah, but the channel 16 is a Let's Play TV allocation, so they have to accept interference and cannot cause any interference.

 

[RadioInsultant]

Exuse me, but isn't this a RADIO board?

 

[PaulBWalkerJr]

Yeah, so? An occassional detour into TV won't hear anyone.