News and Reviews....
DIGITAL Stations Up Power July 2009
By Robert Lieto
I cannot believe it is July, the Digital Transition is almost one month old and it turned out to be a calm, peaceful transition at that. It was not the anticipated redo of the millennium 2000 computer fever but a smooth changeover . Now, I must figure in the household cable, satellite penetration here on the east coast. the fact of the matter is that the heartlands of America are where the largest population of antenna only reception is centered, but all in all, I didn't hear the large backlash I had expected.
What I am hearing although, is the large cry of about two dozen television stations that have asked the government to allow them to increase their allotted digital power due to loss of audience when they switched over, making it difficult to receive programming. Most of the stations crying losses, in cities like Chicago, Philadelphia, New York and Dallas. Their difficulties revolve around their move from the UHF band to the lower VHF band. While UHF can be received well with small indoor antennas (higher frequencies, smaller antennas, go farther on less power), the VHF band require larger receiving antennas, with the best being large on roof models. Many antennas sold as "DIGITAL" ones in the last few years receive UHF only.
The FCC has sent engineers to some of the affected cities and granted temporary permission to boost power output. Just after the June 12 change-over, 30 percent of callers to the FCC help center had difficulties receiving one or more digital stations. That figure has declined this week to 20 percent. For the vast majority the change-over has been successful and consumers have realized the benefits of Digital TV.
Comment ..... This transition is over. We can revert to antennas. Full circle - to no cost digital TV. If you are tired of paying the costs of Cable or Satellite, give us a call. to discuss the possibility of your own roof top antenna system. Many of the newer rooftop antennas are not as you might have seen in the past. Want to try it on your own, keep in tune for our D.I.Y. product section coming soon.
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Past Articles on Subject:
The End of Analog TV Part 6 January 2007
The End of Analog TV Part 5 May 2006
The End of Analog TV Part 4 November 2005
The End of Analog TV Part 3 July 2005
The End of Analog TV Part 2 May 2005
The End of Analog TV January 2005
