[SBE] Proposed Analog Shutoff Extention

[Edwin Bukont]

Some very valid non-tech concerns voiced here.  But I would not rely on the NAB to voice them to Congress nor Obama.  Any idea if TV managers are actually working together to get this message there, or are they doing what broadcasters usually do?
 
Has anyone, its beyond my legal resources, looked at the possiblity of suing Congress for a breach of contract?  They mandated the date and stations worked toward it, now they don't want to hold up their end of the bargain?  There has to be a legal remedy to this, to keep Congress from stalling after stations have fully done their part.  Again, I would not be that someone else is doing this, find out.  It has been my experience that the lawyers are often inept and miss important details and so 'no' before they research an answer.  Edwin Bukont CSRE, DRB, CBNT Comm-Struction and Services LLC V- 410.879.5567 F- 410.272.5750 C- 240.417.2475 ebukont at msn.com A Harris Broadcast Channel Partner 



Date: Mon, 12 Jan 2009 21:18:16 -0500From: jon_frank at wgbh.orgTo: sbe at sbe.orgSubject: Re: [SBE] Proposed Analog Shutoff Extention




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.  


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 PMTo: '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, LLCRadiofrequency Consulting Engineershttp://www.rf-consultants.com/
 
 
 




From: sbe-bounces at sbe.org [mailto:sbe-bounces at sbe.org] On Behalf Of McGlothen, DarrylSent: Monday, January 12, 2009 4:11 PMTo: sbe member discussion mail listSubject: 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

 



From: sbe-bounces at sbe.org [mailto:sbe-bounces at sbe.org] On Behalf Of A9xw at cs.comSent: Monday, January 12, 2009 11:00 AMTo: sbe at sbe.orgSubject: 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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