[SBE] Proposed Analog Shutoff Extention

[Jon Frank]

There are many stations out there with analog systems running on the very edge because, with the impending shutoff date, it was not worth investing in repairing the hardware.  If the cut over date is moved until the middle of June this will put some of those stations at a severe disadvantage during the May ratings sweeps. If their analog equipment gives up before the new deadline, and their competitor's does not, they will be cheated during a very important book, at a time when sales revenue is critical.

This whole thing is idiotic.  Broadcasters tried their best to warn the government that a major change in technology, such as the adoption of a digital TV standard, would take years to implement.   Congress, however, could only see what they could auction the spectrum off for, with little regard for the viewing the public.  Now they want to change the implementation date? Besides failing equipment, think of all the stations who have booked tower crews to complete new DTV antenna or transmitter installs based on the February 17th transition to digital. Try changing a tower crew commitment or equipment delivery at this late date.
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From: sbe-bounces at sbe.org [sbe-bounces at sbe.org] On Behalf Of Joseph M. Davis [Joseph.Davis at RF-consultants.com]
Sent: Monday, January 12, 2009 4:28 PM
To: 'sbe member discussion mail list'
Subject: Re: [SBE] Proposed Analog Shutoff Extention

Actually, any analog TV station can now reduce power or cease operation without prior FCC approval, since it is within 90 days of the transition date.  No license mod, no fines.  See the Third Periodic Review:

http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-07-228A1.pdf

Joe Davis

Joseph M. Davis, P.E.
Chesapeake RF Consultants, LLC
Radiofrequency Consulting Engineers
http://www.rf-consultants.com/



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From: sbe-bounces at sbe.org [mailto:sbe-bounces at sbe.org] On Behalf Of McGlothen, Darryl
Sent: Monday, January 12, 2009 4:11 PM
To: sbe member discussion mail list
Subject: Re: [SBE] Proposed Analog Shutoff Extention

This is more likely the pervue of the legal eagles, but you can't turn on a transmitter until you have a license from the FCC. If you must run at a lower power than your license specifies, you must apply for a modification to your license. It stands to reason that if you want to turn off your transmitter before the FCC mandated cut-off date, you would have to apply for a license modification or face possible fines by the FCC.

Just a thought...

Darryl

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From: sbe-bounces at sbe.org [mailto:sbe-bounces at sbe.org] On Behalf Of A9xw at cs.com
Sent: Monday, January 12, 2009 11:00 AM
To: sbe at sbe.org
Subject: Re: [SBE] Proposed Analog Shutoff Extention
In a message dated 1/12/2009 12:55:09 PM Central Standard Time, akilgore at wrvm.org writes:




Can't analog TV be dropped voluntarily before the required drop-dead date?



Pull the plug when ever you want, just make sure the FCC says you can.

Henry
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