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K53GF is off the air

Their CP expires at the end of the month, and they've already been advertising their upcoming switch. They may have been testing.
 
powergate92 said:
channel 38 digital is on the air and channel 53 analog is sill on the air

They've asked for permission to keep analog 53 on the air until the end of the digital transition so they don't lose their viewership, who they claim are still watching on analog. http://fjallfoss.fcc.gov/cgi-bin/ws.exe/prod/cdbs/forms/prod/cdbsmenu.hts?context=25&appn=101262133&formid=911&fac_num=52892

As for their digital signal, it does not lock in as well as KAZT-CA (which I make comparisons to since they are both LPDTV). Plus, when its locked in, there is still some pixelation. They could still be adjusting.
 
I was able to find them easier than then KAZT-CA went on air, however, I do see the pixelation problems, not unexpected during program test. Also, their PSIP shows the station at 38.3, rather than 38.1, or even 53.1. This is the first LPDTV station in Arizona that is truly LPTV, not a rebroadcaster, so I'm not sure how PSIP guidelines apply.

Even if the FCC denies their request to keep the analog channel, they shouldn't have to turn off the analog signal until the digital station is licensed, correct?
 
In fact, that they're mapping to 38.3 implies they aren't transmitting PSIP. To the best of my knowledge, LPDTV stations are not required to have PSIP, though I'm not certain of that.

What kind of programming does K53GF have?

- Trip
 
tripinva said:
What kind of programming does K53GF have?

They call themselves a Spanish-language independent. They air a few Mexican movies, and a LOT of "home shopping" and used car lot infomercials. They are extremely low-budget.
 
Interesting. My Philips TV still shows it as 38.3, as does my PCTV TV stick that I plug into my laptop. Meanwhile, my Westinghouse TV shows it as 38.1.
 
dhett said:
Interesting. My Philips TV still shows it as 38.3, as does my PCTV TV stick that I plug into my laptop. Meanwhile, my Westinghouse TV shows it as 38.1.

That screams no PSIP. Some TVs use the Program number when there's no PSIP which is why it's 38.3, but some just list them sequentially when there's no PSIP. Any chance you can use TSReader on it and grab me a cap to confirm that?

- Trip
 
Yep, the data dhett sent me confirms that K53GF-D has no PSIP.

- Trip
 
dhett said:
Actually, it's K38IZ. :)

When I search the FCC for K38IZ, I get no results. When I search for K53GF, I get the digital on 38.

Maybe they've requested the new calls, but as of right now, it's still K53GF-D.

- Trip
 
You're correct; the calls do not show up in the database until the station is licensed. However, if you go to the Daily Digest on the day the construction permit was published, it shows that the call sign will be K38IZ.

You will usually find the date published under the old calls by opening the Info link on the construction permit. The "Last Public Notice" date is usually the date that the CP was published in the Daily Digest and will be 2-3 business days after the CP was granted. If it is much later, then consult the Daily Digests from 2-3 business days after the grant. In this case, the CP was granted 10/31/2005 and the Last Public Notice is 11/03/2005. Next, you consult the Daily Digest for that date, in this case, at http://www.fcc.gov/Daily_Releases/Daily_Digest/2005/dd051103.html. Click on the "Broadcast Actions" link, and there you will find the CP grant published with the new call sign, in this case, near the bottom of the document.
 
Correction: K38IZ-D. Originally, the calls were assigned without the prefix, but the FCC reissued the CP authorization with the corrected call sign. See authorization.
 
Still no PSIP, just adjusted their stream slightly to make the main feed Program 1 instead of Program 3.

Good catch on the call sign.

- Trip
 
Day four and they still have pixelation that makes it almost unwatchable (and this is with decent signal strength in sight of South Mountain). There's nothing better than used-car lot ads in (almost) crystal-clear digital! ;D
 
I guess that's why they call it "Program Test Authority". Unfortunately for them, we get to see and comment on every move. :)
 
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