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.

More DTV Links

Yesterday I learned from the NAB that if a viewer's NTIA coupon is about to expire and local retailers do not have converter boxes in stock, the viewer is encouraged to "pre-purchase" the box...In otherwords, purchase the box from the retailer utilizing your coupon, and wait for him to take delivery at a later time. Another solution might be to purchase a box on-line. There are a number of on-line retailers authorized to take the coupons. One of them is:
http://www.solidsignal.com/. Radio Shack is also offering a DTV Converter Box with analog pass-thru, and its also available on-line: Radio Shack Article



Another handy link regarding DTV/HDTV is:
http://www.hdtvexpert.com/

Article regarding antenna reception.

NAB Speakers Bureau

Getting the word out about this DTV transition is the job of the NAB, this station and broadcasters in general. If you know a group who could benefit from a one-on-one presentation please contact me. I am one of close to 1000 speakers in the NAB Speakers Bureau. We are speaking to groups all over the country, now thru the February 17, 2009 analog cutoff date.

Please call during normal business hours 8AM-4:30PM, 315-788-3800 to arrange a speech for your group.

DTV Coverage

As I have reported here and as you may have seen in our Special Report, there are pitfalls to DTV coverage. If you live in an area that gets marginal analog coverage you may not get any DTV coverage. The reason is a the "cliff effect". In the analog world when the signal gets weak you get a snowy/ghosty signal...this snowy and ghosty signal may even be received beyond our expected coverage area. In the digital world you either get a perfect signal or none at all. I guess the name implies you get the signal until you fall off the cliff.

The FCC assigned DTV specifications that were suppose to replicate a station's analog coverage...so theoretically if you get the station's analog signal you should get their DTV one. The real world differs from the theoretical one.

Here is a coverage map for WWNY's analog signal. "Good" reception is expected within the circle...signals may be possible beyond the circle:

Here is the coverage off our current DTV assignment (UHF Channel 35):

After 2/17/2009 WWNY will broadcast digitally on VHF channel 7. We have made application for this coverage area (below)...and may even apply make application to increase it just a bit. This coverage should "replicate" WWNY's analog coverage:

None of us will really know if a signal can be received in a marginal area until we start broadcasting on that final assignment. We are making the move back to channel 7 and applying for the most coverage possible to make sure no one loses service from WWNY. We have generally found the coverage matches the coverage maps or in some areas exceeds it. Our best advice, now and after 2/17/2009, is to use an outdoor UHF/VHF antenna aimed at our transmitter site in Champion NY.

Antennas

Over-the-air reception requires the use of an antenna. As is the case with analog reception, an outdoor antenna is also the best choice for DTV. If you are currently using an indoor set of "rabbit-ears", they may work just fine with DTV.

Currently WWNY-DT's DTV signal is broadcast on the UHF frequency of channel 35. In February 2009 when analog is turned off, WWNY will revert back to the VHF frequency of channel 7. Our plans are for WNYF FOX-28 to assume the channel 35 UHF frequency for it digital broadcasts in HDTV. (I have outlined this is previous posts.) The other Watertown broadcasters are and will continue to broadcast on UHF frequencies.

I mention all this because if you are investing in an antenna for DTV over-the-air reception I encourage you to get a combo VHF/UHF capable antenna. Plan for the day WWNY-DT broadcasts on VHF channel 7.

To assist you with antenna purchases you might visit http://www.antennaweb.org/. While not endorsing a particular brand, this site is also a very helpful http://ota.winegarddirect.com/.

New article on antenna reception.

Converter Box Info/ LPTV Info

As mentioned in a previous post, LPTV stations are not mandated to convert to digital. Viewers of LPTV stations (and viewers of border analog stations) may wish to explore converter boxes that pass-thru analog signals. For a list of coupon eligible boxes click here. The boxes that have the pass-thru feature have a special notation.

The other thing I have previously noted regarding WNYF FOX-28... its programming is available digitally via WWNY-DT, which has a multicast channel of WNYF FOX-28. This digital feed not only negates the need for the pass-thru feature, but for many will make the programming of WNYF FOX-28 available in areas not served by FOX-28's analog signal. That's because its piggybacked on the full-power DTV signal of WWNY, which has a greater range than WNYF's analog LPTV signal.

For more info on LPTV and the DTV transition click here.

For a Converter Box Coupon call 1-888-DTV2009 or http://www.dtv2009.gov/.

Progress

As I have previously reported WWNY has had some issues with our final DTV channel assignment. A process that did not allow us to amend our application to regain lost audience until just recently has frustrated us. We were then fearful that delays in receiving timely approval could impact our ability to meet the DTV 2009 deadline or serve our entire audience.

Yesterday the FCC positively acted on our Petition to Reconsider our assignment. We now must await International Coordination with Canada, but have been assured by the FCC that this will occur.

We have been working towards this approval for 4 years and thanks to support and assistance from the FCC staff and our Congressional leaders, Senator Clinton and Congressman McHugh, we appear to be set for 2009.