DTV-only stations that don't ID by their old analog position

[TexasTom]

Not at all. The FCC allows translator stations to map to their primary station's virtual channel number, so KAZT-CA maps to channel 7.

...since AZ-TV originates its programming and maintains its administrative offices in Phoenix, I'd dispute KAZT-CA being a translator...

As a practical matter, you're almost certainly right. But since full power stations (KAZT-TV/DT Prescott) get must carry status and class A stations (KAZT-CD Phoenix) don't, everyone will continue with the polite fiction that the Phoenix Class A is rebroadcasting the Prescott full power rather than the other way around.

 

[w9wi]

Not at all. The FCC allows translator stations to map to their primary station's virtual channel number, so KAZT-CA maps to channel 7.

...since AZ-TV originates its programming and maintains its administrative offices in Phoenix, I'd dispute KAZT-CA being a translator...

The fact that it's a -CA indicates it isn't a translator.

But that's not how the regulation is worded. I'm paraphrasing, but basically if two DTV stations with overlapping coverage simulcast, they may choose to use the same major channel number on both.

If KAZT-full power simulcasts KAZT-CA, it really doesn't matter for must-carry purposes. If it's in the Phoenix market and can get a strong signal to the Phoenix cable head-end, it's eligible for must-carry regardless of where the programming comes from. They can use the -CA as the means to get that strong signal to the head-end.

I would be quite surprised if the full-power transmitters actually relay the -CA. Chances are both transmitters (all three, if you count channel 7 analog) have direct microwave (or optical fiber) feeds from the studios.

 

[EricStein]

KAIL in Fresno, CA (analog 53/DTV 7) ID's as both "My 53" and "My 7.1." Its RTN subchannel is "RTN 7.2." Smaller stations usually have a harder time understanding the concept behind PSIP.

 

[dhett]

The fact that it's a -CA indicates it isn't a translator.

But that's not how the regulation is worded. I'm paraphrasing, but basically if two DTV stations with overlapping coverage simulcast, they may choose to use the same major channel number on both.

You are correct, of course. I was being really loose with my wording. Bottom line is, KAZT-CA ID'ing as channel 7 on PSIP is kosher.

---

A little off-topic, but hey, I started this thread...

Here's another interesting one I got from the Palm Springs market:

KESQ's line-up (analog 42, DTV 52)

RF Virt Programming
---- ---- -----------
52.1 42.1 KESQ analog simulcast
52.2 33.2 KDFX-LP (analog 33)
52.3 2.3 KCWQ-LP (analog 2)
52.4 42.2 Weather

 

[mjlarochelle]

There was one instance I recall hearing about a while back when ch. 26 in Chicago started mapping to ch. 1. The FCC obviously wasn't cool with that. I also remember hearing that The WB had some crazy idea about all their affiliates mapping to ch. 75.

I had thought the Channel 75 idea was from the Trinity Broadcasting Network. Or maybe TBN had another channel in mind and WB wanted 75? I don't remember.

 

[dhett]

That was a common misconception. Channel 75 was requested by Tribune (WB). Trinity had nothing to do with anything.

The FCC set channels 70-99 aside for such a purpose, and I think the only use of it so far was from USDTV, which would lease leftover capacity from stations in a market. They used channel 99.x, IIRC.