Good Article on Cord Cutting, Antennas, Reception Issues

http://www.tvtechnology.com/article/tv-antennas-thrive-in-a-down-economy/211359

Reclaimed TV Spectrum Update: The Threat To Local TV Continues

Reclaimed TV Spectrum Valued at $28 Billion in Obama Jobs Bill

President Obama’s proposed jobs bill assumes that incentive TV spectrum auctions will bring around $28 billion in proceeds. The American Jobs Act supports the National Broadband Plan. That plan calls for redesignating 40% of the spectrum now licensed to TV stations. The idea is that reallocated spectrum would support the development of a much needed public safety network and support the development of nationwide wireless broadband. The revenue from auctions could be used to reduce the deficit. The development of the public safety network and nationwide broadband would stimulate the economy and create jobs.

The problem is that to generate that amount, licensees of two satellite companies and dozens of TV stations would have to participate in the "voluntary auctions". The mechanics of redesignating 40% of spectrum remains a mystery because no broadcasters have indicated a willingness to sell off their spectrum...at values that could well be less than market value. The National Association of Broadcasters has said that allocating 40% of spectrum without voluntary participation would knock 210 full-power station off-air and force 672 to relocate to a different channel.

In that senerio...because of cross-border considerations and other technical inference standards, all stations in the Watertown market would be knocked off-air with no channel to relocate to. The Detroit market would also suffer a similar fate.

UPDATED :Congress is currently considering action as part of the debt and budget negotiations that could threaten your local TV.

UPDATE: NAB Press release


This congressional action seeks to reallocate some TV channels – through a process known as spectrum incentive auctions – to other services.

We must ensure congressional action on this issue does not impact your ability to receive the local news, public safety information and the high-quality programs you value.

We also want to ensure Congress does not hinder innovations taking place in TV – like free, local TV on your handheld or new HD programming.

Tell your member of Congress to protect local TV as they consider ways to auction TV channels.

Thank you for protecting local TV!
Call your Legislator
To speak to your legislator, simply call 1-800-200-4372, enter your 5-digit zip code and stay on the line to be connected.

Related articles:
NAB: Broadband Plan Would Take 210 Full-Power TV Stations Off the Air

NAB Says Broadband Plan Will Create Large Broadcast TV Disruption

Genachowski Shows Lack of Understanding in Channel Change Complexity

Life With DTV

This blog was established to keep viewers updated on the transition to DTV and the steps and improvements WWNY & WNYF were taking. The transition to all DTV broadcasts was completed by WWNY and a transition to DTV by WNYF has also been accomplished, even though the FCC has not mandated that change for Low-power stations.

While our transmission infrastructure is complete we continue to seek improvements. WWNY continues to explore a power increase and we are continually improving our production facilities, so that we can expand our HDTV offerings.

Many viewers are still frustrated with reception issues. This is a characterisitic of DTV...we can't change the laws of physics. We can reccomend that you install the best UHF/VHF outdoor antenna you can to combat reception issues. For tips on antennas & their orientation towards our towers visit www.antennaweb.org. For tips on reception visit www.dtv.gov/fixreception.

We will also answers any comments posted here.

WNYF-LP Now on the Air Digitally

There’s some good news for local television fans.

The North Country’s local FOX station, WNYF, has a new digital transmitter in St. Lawrence County that will provide viewers with a better, more far reaching signal. The transmitter, located in South Colton, is designed to increase the St. Lawrence County coverage area for FOX 28. As an added bonus, the local CBS station, WWNY, will be carried on a secondary channel.

Some viewers lost local television signals in the 2009 digital transition when stations were forced to turn off their analog signals. United Communications Corporation, the parent company of WWNY and WNYF, applied and received permission to build a new FOX digital facility from a new location and with more power to increase its coverage area. FOX-28’s ability to transmit a secondary channel of WWNY’s programming might help gain back WWNY viewers lost in that DTV transition.

Area residents should re-scan their television tuners and may need to realign their antennas towards the new transmitter facility.

Viewers should have a VHF/UHF antenna (outdoor is best) orientated towards S. Colton NY. WNYF will be received on channel 28.1 and WWNY’s programming will be available on channel 28.2.

For assistance with antenna selection or orientation viewers can visit www.antennaweb.org. (Because the facility is so new the transmitter info may not be in the antennaweb database. Viewers should choose and orientate an antenna compatible with WNPI.)

For reception tips viewers should visit www.dtv.gov/fixreception.html.

WNYF-LP Granted Construction Permit to Build St Lawrence County DTV Facility

WNYF was granted permission to build a digital facility in St. Lawrence county...Read More...

Transition Update - WNYF-LP Still Awaiting FCC Approval for St Lawrence County Operations... Local Delivery on DISH Network

It has been sometime since I have commented on the DTV transition and any updates regarding WWNY & WNYF. That, in part, is because the DTV transition has more or less come and gone. It's true LPTV stations still have not been mandated to transition or convert to all DTV operations, but as my last post notes,WNYF-CA in Watertown has. We are still awaiting FCC approval for WNYF-LP in St Lawrence County.

The application to convert WNYF-LP to DTV operations was made last July. We have been told our proposal has passed Canadian review and the regulatory comment period has ended...so approval, barring any objections, should be days away. United Communication Corporation has already ordered a new DTV transmitter for our St Lawrence County operations and is preparing the site for installation. As a reminder, when this project is complete WNYF-LP will digitally be operating with channel 28.1 providing digital broadcasts of WNYF FOX-28 programming and 28.2 the HDTV programming of WWNY. This operation will not only digitize the FOX operation in St Lawrence County, but will help back-fill WWNY coverage to areas no longer served by our Watertown signal as a result of the transition to DTV.

One final update, DISH Network added local stations to their system last Thursday. Subscribers of DISH Network can now receive satellite broadcasts of our signals. This too will help back-fill areas lost from the DTV transition.

WNYF-CA, Watertown Makes the DTV/HDTV Transition

WNYF-CA began DTV broadcasts yesterday. WNYF-CD's DTV coverage covers most of Jefferson County and a good portion of Lewis County. Its broadcasts are in HDTV, which of course provides greater resolution and a widescreen presentation. WNYF's programming on WWNY's subchannel 7.2, is standard definition. To enjoy the greater resolution broadcasts of WNYF you will need an HDTV with a digital tuner. Viewers will need to rescan for DTV channels to capture the new broadcasts of WNYF.

Don't hesitate to pass on successful reception stories ... this will help us gauge "real-world" coverage.

It is considered a low-powered station, but its coverage is much greater than its analog coverage. Within the next few weeks/days WNYF-CA's analog transmitter will be shut off.


WNYF-LP, Massena has an application before the FCC for DTV conversion. Once operational WNYF-LD's signal will cover much of St Lawrence County. Its FOX programming will be in standard definition DTV (hopefully in widescreen), and will have a sub-channel of WWNY's HDTV CBS programming.

6/12 DTV Deadline Has Passed, Have We/You Survived?

Well the extended DTV deadline of 6/12/09 has come and gone. Now all full-powered TV stations are broadcasting digitally. I note "full-powered" because LPTV stations, like WNYF-CA/WNYF-LP, or translators have no Federal mandate to convert...yet. WNYF-CA does have plans to digitize and hopes to be broadcasting by summers end in HDTV. We are exploring sites/frequencies etc for a Massena conversion as well.

WWTI in Watertown was the last full-powered station to cease analog broadcasts and I suspect the transition to all DTV broadcasts went without a hitch....lucky guys. WWTI did not change frequencies or any technical parameters like WWNY did in February.

We still take occasional calls from folks wondering if we are experiencing problems or if we are running low-powered and have any plans to upgrade the signal. Fact is WWNY is and has been broadcasting a strong VHF channel 7 signal since 2/17/09...nothing has changed and there are no plans to change. WWNY already applied for, was granted, and operates with a power increase over our original assignment from the FCC. We have witnessed our signal throughout the area ...as far as 100 miles from the transmitter. What we have learned is antennas are so so critical.

If you are still experiencing issues getting channel 7 please visit www.antennaweb.org or www.tvfool.com for guidance on antennas and their orientation towards the station.

FYI, Echostar has expressed some interest recently about building a facility to uplink local stations to satellite. Local stations on satellite might offer another option to viewers experiencing problems. Stay tuned, we'll let you know how that progresses. The Federal Law that allows satellite to carry local stations expires at the end of the year, and there may be changes to the law that forces satellite into offering local stations in all markets. We'll keep you up-to-date on these developments as well.

It's All About Antennas

WWNY engineers have been traveling the North Country testing our digital signal. What we have found is the signal is great most everywhere....but...without a good reception antenna it can leave you with the impression that its weak or missing. In fact the new DTV signal is not only stronger, but travels a further distance than our previous one... further than even the predicted coverage maps indicate.

It's all about antennas. The best choice is always an outdoor antenna. It will capture a signal better because of fewer obstructions and it is less likely to receive reflected signals which can interfere with the performance of a TV set or converter box. We also have found that basic antennas seem to work the best. A good old aerial with metal rods are best, not the flying saucer or airplane wing shaped antennas that are often marketed as "HDTV Ready".

Indoor antennas may work in some locations, but are more subject to receiving reflected signals that confuse the sets/boxes. Good old rabbit ears without amplification and the long metal rods work the best.

For more info on antennas and their orientation towards the stations you might visit:
www.antennaweb.org or www.tvfool.com.

DTV Reception Problems??

The most common DTV reception problem is folks did not rescan their digital televisions or converter-boxes. Rescanning was necessary to capture the changes we made to our signal. WWNY also learned that it is good practice to delete any reference to channel 7 before rescanning. Generally speaking both add/delete and scanning (auto-program, scan for channels etc) is found in the setup menu of the TV set or converter-box. For info on re-scanning click here or to watch a video click here.

The second most common problem is anntennas. Theoretically if you received our old (analog) signal well your antenna should work for DTV. WWNY has found that is not always the case...we suspect its because "well" is a subjective thing...in actuality if the signal was only OK the box or TV set may not "lock-up" and display the new DTV programming. An outdoor antenna is always the best choice. Most indoor antennas (esspecially those marked as DTV or HDTV) are better suited for reception close to stations and for stations who broadcast on a UHF frequency. WWNY now broadcasts digitally on a VHF frequency. Why our switch from a UHF frequency to VHF??? VHF signals are less affected by the terrain, weather and travel further distances...however the antenna has to be well suited for VHF reception to capitilize on these improvements. Orientation towards the station is also critical. After making any antenna adjustments you should rescan. For info on antennas and their orientation towards the station visit www.antennaweb.org.

Many folks have told us we got your "old" DTV signal and now do not receive your new & improved DTV signal...what gives? Its likely an antenna issue. Try reorientation, rescanning, and unfortunately you may be faced with an antenna upgrade.

We are tracking reception complaints and trying to determine if there are any problem areas. Please contact us if you have taken the above steps and still have issues. Our new DTV signal is full-power, in fact, we actually were permitted to boost the power over what was originally assign to us. It has an omni-direction pattern (as opposed to the old DTV directional pattern) and its antenna is mounted at the top of our tower (as opposed to the side-mount the old DTV signal had.) We have spent a considerable amount of money on equipment to best serve our vast geographic area...we are here to assist you so you can enjoy our programming. If you have issues you can contact us at 315-788-3800 or at wwny@wwnytv.net.

WWNY IS Transitioning 2/17, And Here's Why

WWNY has been given permission from the FCC to transition to all digital broadcasts on Tuesday 2/17.

So why did WWNY want to transition early...

Because we felt majority of our viewers are prepared...and many are having difficulty getting our current DTV signal. After the analog shutoff we can make changes to our signal that will more closely replicate the service area our analog signal had.

Any viewer that has received our analog signal well, should now be served with our DTV one...even the folks who could not receive DTV at all or those who were getting intermittent service. We felt there were more of the latter cases than totally unprepared viewers.

Yes there is an economic side for the station that you've probably heard about. The current DTV transmitter is an energy hog and running both the analog transmitter and DTV one carried an enormous, unbudgeted expense... In these challenging economic times where this station has already made painful adjustments, we'd prefer to spend our budgeted money on news & programming rather than having to cut in those areas to pay a utility bill.

The greater good...which serves the broadest audience (we are BROADcasters after all) is to improve the signal for the majority of viewers and continue to provide great programming and local news, public service and emergency information.

WWNY to Transition to All Digital broadcasts 2/17/09

WWNY, like many other broadcasters nationwide (published reports indicate nearly half of all broadcasters), will be transition to all digital broadcasts on the original DTV deadline date of February 17, 2009 rather than the new deadline of June 12, 2009. WWNY believes a majority of our viewers are already prepared for all digital broadcasts.

Shutting the analog signal off early permits us to make technical changes to our DTV broadcasts which should improve its range and consistency. During our soft analog shutoff tests we received calls from a large number of folks who took measures to receive digital broadcasts but were having difficulty receiving our current DTV signal. These changes should address these issues.

Viewers who are currently receiving our DTV broadcasts will need to re-scan their television or converter boxes on 2/18/09 to capture these changes. For info a re-scanning click here or to watch a video click here.

WWNY will be joined on February 17, 2009 by WWTI our ABC competitor. WPBS, the Watertown public broadcasting station will cease analog broadcasts in March.

WNYF-CA, Watertown and WNYF-LP, Massena, our low-powered FOX affiliate will continue analog broadcasts. The programming of WNYF is also available via a secondary channel (7.2) of WWNY’s digital broadcasts.

Low-powered stations do not have a mandate to cease analog broadcasts, nor a mandate when they must be all digital. WNYF-CA holds a construction permit to construct a digital facility of its own. When those broadcasts begin (we anticipate in a few months), the programming will be available in HDTV.

Looks Like 6/12/2009 is the date!

Yesterday the House passed its version of the DTV Delay bill, moving the analog cutoff deadline to June 12, 2009. This action mirrors the action the Senate took last week...an action encouraged and endorsed by President Obama. His signature into law is essentially a formality.

Availability of a coupons towards converter boxes as well as a general feeling that the public is unprepared is the reasoning for the delay. In our market it does give folks who may need to address antenna issues more time, and perhaps better weather, to install or adjust rooftop antennas.

One provision of the new law is the ability for a station to sign analog off earlier than June. Stations in several markets have indicated they will proceed with the February shutoff since they feel their markets are prepared and they wish not to spend un-budgeted dollars towards the high utility bills experienced with running two transmitters. Emergency responders waiting for freed up radio spectrum will be permitted to obtain and use frequencies given up by those broadcasters.

In this blog I have indicated WWNY will be making some technical changes to our digital broadcasts after the analog shutoff. These changes which should improve our broadcast range are now on-hold since the analog shutoff has changed. Even if WWNY and others in our market were to shutoff analog early, we may not immediately be permitted to make those technical changes... So like so many other times I say...please stand-by....more info to come.

DTV Deadline Delayed? Probably!

Yesterday the Senate passed a bill to delay the DTV deadline to June 12. The House is expected to follow today or tomorrow. President Obama called for the delay saying the public is not ready, more time was needed for folks to prepare and Congress needed to free up funding for the coupon program.

Nielsen Media Research says 5.7 percent of all U.S. homes are still completely unready for the digital TV transition. That represents 6.5 million households. It hard to believe after the broadcast industries intense Public Service campaign, that so many folks are still unprepared, but I guess its human nature to procrastinate.

One provision of the Senate bill is a clause that says broadcasters can switch to all digital broadcasts prior to the deadline in June. This is good news for stations who had not budgeted for the extremely high utility costs associated with broadcasting both a DTV and analog signal, or for stations that had technical crews already scheduled for tower work, and for the emergency responders who would benefit from freed-up spectrum. A delay, however, benefits the viewer who might be faced with an antenna upgrade. Now they will not have to battle the winter elements installing a new outdoor antenna.

Just when WWNY and other Watertown broadcasters make the switch is unknown. We hope to work with the other broadcasters to determine an appropriate date. In the meantime we continue to encourage viewers to buy DTV equipment and try to recieve our broadcasts. Benefit from the better pictures and sound, and additional channels of broadcasting.

Finally, please remember to re-scan for DTV channels to capture any changes to the broadcasts, after power outages, after antenna adjustments and esspecially after stations like WWNY shutoff analog.

Troubleshooting Your DTV Setup (Updated 12/19)

Many viewers have called with issues setting up their convert boxes or digital television sets.

For some it has been issues of wiring and setup, but for most it has been antenna issues. We encourage you to convert ASAP either with a convert box or the new purchase of a DTV set. APPLY, BUY & TRY... APPLY for the coupon, BUY a box and TRY it now! Act now to work out the bugs... you really don't want to be climbing on your roof next February if its an antenna issue.

NEW INFO (12/19)- This past Wednesday we conducted a soft analog shutoff test. WWNY sent a message to viewers of only our analog signal that they needed to take action as this signal would be turned off in February. We have taken a great volume of calls from viewers (please be patient we are doing our best to return calls). A great number of viewers have made the upgrade either by purchasing a new DTV television set or DTV Converter-box but still saw the message. This is an indication that they were watching the analog signal, not the DTV one. Many new sets have both an analog and DTV tuner built-in. An indication that you are receiving the DTV signal is the channel will display as 7.1 WWNY-HD or 7.2 WNYF-SD. Channel 7.0 is the analog signal. If you cannot see 7.1 or 7.2 you may need to go into the setup menu of your set or box and re-scan for DTV channels...or you may need an antenna upgrade.

One thing as it relates to WWNY. In February WWNY will be changing DTV frequencies and power levels. If you experience difficulty with reception now, these changes should improve your chances of getting WWNY. We suggest you re-scan your DTV channels often, after antenna adjustments, and especially after 2/17/09.

Official FCC info on DTV Converter Box and DTV Set Troubleshooting

The Wilmington Example and What Watertown Can Learn From It

The Wilmington NC television market voluntarily completed its DTV transition from analog to DTV on September 8, 2008. Their pioneering spirit and action has been closely followed by government officials and fellow broadcasters. Lessons learned from Wilmington could help the rest of the country when the February 17, 2009 analog cutoff deadline is met.

Of the 1221 phone calls received in Wilmington's first 2 days of the analog cutoff, only 23 were from viewers who were unaware of the switch. Many of the calls related to converter box setup issues or a lack of reception.

So what can Watertown viewers take from Wilmington.

First, get your DTV converter box prior to the February cutoff. WWNY has been broadcasting a full-time DTV signal since 2003. This is a transition from analog to DTV broadcasts. February 17, 2009 marks the day analog broadcasts end, not the day DTV begins. In fact, 1631 stations are broadcasting digitally now in 211 TV markets. That represents 76% of all US homes.

Take advantage of the clearer pictures, sound, and additional channels now. Transitioning to DTV now provides you time to fine-tune converter box setup issues or time to fine-tune or address antenna issues without missing out on any of your favorite programs.

Common setup issues include not setting your analog television to channel 3 or 4 before turning on the converter box. Not re-scanning for channels after re-orienting the antenna. Not properly attaching the antenna to the DTV set or converter box.

Antennas are key to good reception. Theoretically if you receive a strong analog signal from your favorite television station, you should receive their DTV signal with no problems. If you live in a fringe area you may have issues with reception.

With DTV you either get a perfect signal or none at all (this is called the "cliff-effect"). With analog broadcasts weak reception results in a snowy or ghosty signal.

Antenna selection and orientation is key. You might visit http://www.antennaweb.org/ for selection of an antenna and tips on orientation. Keep in mind an outdoor antenna is always the best bet for reception.

Now something you need to know. WWNY currently broadcasts on a UHF frequency...on February 17, 2009 WWNY will change to a VHF frequency. If you are purchasing an antenna be sure to buy a combo UHF/VHF antenna. In February you will likely need to re-scan your receiver since we are changing frequencies.

Why are we making this change? Because VHF frequencies are less affected by the terrain and weather conditions. Folks living in fringe areas may have a better time receiving WWNY after we make this change. WWNY has also applied for a power increase. This too is to counter any reception issues, especially for viewers that live in fringe areas.

The Basics

Much has been published or broadcast on the television industry’s transition to digital and the shutoff of analog broadcasts in February of 2009. Here are the main points you need to know as it relates to Watertown, NY and the broadcasts of WWNY & WNYF.

• On 2/17/2009 all full-power analog broadcasts from stations in the United States will end. Analog broadcasts from Canada and our low-powered stations WNYF-CA, Watertown & WNYF-LP, Massena will continue. Eventually these stations will be converted to digital as well.

• If you are a cable subscriber, you will not be affected by the analog shutoff in February 2009. The cable companies will convert WWNY’s & WNYF’s DTV signal for display on your older analog TV. If you subscribe to Time Warner Cable systems and utilize an HDTV you can also receive WWNY & WNYF’s HDTV broadcasts.

• If you view our televisions stations via an antenna you will need a newer television with a built-in DTV tuner or a DTV converter box. The converter box will convert our DTV broadcasts to an analog format for your older television set to display. The newer set does not have to be an HDTV to receive the digital signals, including our HDTV broadcasts, but you must utilize an HDTV to enjoy the full resolution 16:9 widscreen pictures of those HDTV broadcasts.

• If you subscribe to a satellite service, but utilize an antenna to receive the local stations for your Network programming, you will need a newer television with a built-in tuner or a DTV convert box. Currently none of the satellite providers transmit Watertown local stations on their system. (In some circumstances you may qualify for distant market Network feeds, and the satellite company will make the conversion for an older analog TV.)

• WWNY currently is broadcasting digitally (WWNY-DT) and provides the programming of WNYF FOX-28 on a secondary DTV channel. This service will continue after 2/17/2009. This “multi-cast” channel of WWNY-DT is in standard definition 4:3 ration pictures, while WWNY-DT’s primary DTV channel of WWNY’s CBS programming is in 16:9 widescreen HDTV. When programs are not originated in 16:9 HDTV, 4:3 programs are upconverted and have black or colored bars on the sides to fill the 16:9 screen. This is called pillar boxed.

• Current DTV broadcasts are on the UHF frequency of channel 35. After 2/17/2009 all of WWNY’s DTV broadcasts will be on VHF channel 7. This move is being made to improve the reception for viewers in fringe areas and to reduce our energy consumption and costs. VHF signals are also less affected by the terrain & weather conditions. DTV sets currently display our channels as 7.1 WWNY-HD and 7.2 WNYF SD. This branding will remain the same after 2/17/2009, only the physical transport is changing..

• Good signal reception is critical to DTV viewing. An outdoor antenna, orientated towards the TV station is always the best choice for reception. For assistance with the selection and orientation of the antenna you might visit http://www.antennaweb.org/.

• Sometime after 2/17/2009, our low-powered station WNYF-CA, Watertown will broadcast digitally as WNYF-DC. These digital broadcasts will be in 16:9 HDTV. While the service area is greater than WNYF-CA’s analog signal, they still are not as great as WWNY-DT’s. WNYF-LP in Massena will be converted to DTV at a later date.

WWNY-TV- analog broadcasts on VHF channel 7 (will cease on 2/17/2009).

WWNY-DT- digital broadcasts, currently on UHF channel 35, will broadcast on VHF channel 7 after 2/17/2009. Channel 7.1 is WWNY (CBS) in 16:9 HDTV, channel 7.2 standard definition 4:3 broadcasts of WNYF (FOX).

WNYF-CA- analog broadcasts on UHF channel 28 from Watertown, NY

WNYF-LP- analog broadcasts on UHF channel 28 from Massena, NY

WNYF-CD- digital broadcasts of WNYF (FOX) in 16:9 HDTV, sometime after 2/17/2009

More Info

Monday WNYF-CA, our low-powered FOX station from Watertown, was granted a construction permit to build a new low-powered DTV facility for our FOX programming. It will utilize channel 35 which is being vacated by WWNY after February 2009.

What is worth noting is WNYF's DTV facility will have a much greater range than its analog counterpart. In fact, the service contour predicted by engineers encompasses almost all of Jefferson and a good part of Lewis Counties. WWNY-DT will continue to multicast the programming of WNYF on a secondary channel for folks who live beyond WNYF's DTV service area....the only difference is the stand-alone DTV channel will be in HDTV, while the secondary channel is in standard-definition. As is the case with WWNY's return to channel 7 the "branding" will remain channel 28 even though the transport is on the frequency of channel 35.

This action by the FCC addresses our FOX transmitter in Watertown. Plans for WNYF-LP, the FOX transmitter in Massena, are not complete at this time.

As previously noted, antenna selection can make a great difference in receiving DTV signals. Here is an interesting article on this situation...there are also links at the bottom of the stories with links to more info on DTV....all worth reading.

DTV Upgrade Proves Costly, Headachy
LPTVAnswers

Better Reception

Last Tuesday, June 17, WWNY was granted a Construction Permit (CP) to build an a VHF DTV Channel 7 facility that will begin broadcasting 2/17/2009. It is also a CP for a service area that replicates our analog service area (our original assignment did not, but now after waiting for Canadian coordination and approval it does.)

As you might recall, WWNY was originally assigned UHF channel 35 for DTV operations that began full-time operations in 2003. We were to operate both analog channel 7 and UHF DTV channel 35 until 2/17/2009. On 2/17/2009 analog channel 7 must be turned off. On that date we will start DTV broadcasts on VHF channel 7 and DTV broadcasts on channel 35 for WWNY will end. This is being done because VHF channel 7 is a frequency less affected by terrain issues and weather conditions. It is also more energy efficient to operate.

For most viewers the change will go unnoticed, DTV tuners currently say we are channels 7.1 WWNY-HD and 7.2 WNYF FOX-28, and they will continue to say that after 2/17/2009. The transport, if you will, will change not the channel identification or its programming. For others the change to a VHF frequency with improve their chances to receive our signal, especially in terrain challenged and fringe areas.

Friday, WWNY applied for an increase in power over what was approved on Tuesday. This was done to expand and improve our signal in those same terrain challenged and fringe areas we had hoped to reach with the approval we received Tuesday. It also might help compensate for the differences in DTV signals and analog signals (the cliff effect.)

Sometime after 2/17/2009 we hope to begin DTV broadcasts on channel 35 for WNYF FOX-28 in HDTV. Whenever that occurs the branding will continue as FOX-28 even though the "transport" is on the frequency of channel 35.


The FCC has recently posted the following new DTV publications. Please click on the links to view:

- Basic Guide to Setting UP Your Digital to Analog Converter Box: http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/consumerfacts/converterbox-analog-digital.pdf

-Setting up your Digital-to-Analog Converter Box with a VCR: http://www.dtv.gov/factsheets/converterbox_vcr.pdf

-Video Descriptions & the DTV transition. http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/consumerfacts/dtvvideodescription.pdf

-Setting up your Digital-to-Analog Converter Box (basic with twin-lead antenna wire) http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/consumerfacts/setup-converterbox-balun.pdf


For a complete listing of all FCC DTV publications, and up to date information on the Digital Transition, please go to www.dtv.gov.