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Monday, April 24, 2017

Some Broadcast Channels Changing over the next 39 months, What You Need to Do.

Over the next 3+ years, probably longer, some stations will change their broadcast Radio Frequency (RF) channel, and their broadcast tower location may change. The (virtual) channel displayed on your TV will stay the same, but most viewers will only have to rescan their TV's for the new RF channel. 

In some cases the antenna angle may have to be adjusted if the broadcast tower changes locations. In a few instances a new antenna will be required if the antenna does not receive the new channel frequency band

Stations that are moving, changing signals or ceasing to broadcast must notify consumers with daily on-air announcements for at least 30 days prior to any change. During that time, stations will continue to operate on their current channels. Consumer Guide, FAQs: TV Spectrum Auction, 4/13/2017)

When a TV Station Changes Broadcast (RF) Channel; 
  • A station must notify consumers with daily on-air announcements for at least 30 days prior to any change.
  • The displayed TV channel will not change, but you must re-scan all TV's for the new RF broadcast channel.
  • You may have to adjust your antenna pointing angle if the broadcast tower changes locations.
  • You will need a new antenna if a station changes to a frequency band (usually to VHF) your current antenna does receive. 
A Broadcast (RF) channel may or may not be the same as the TV (displayed) channel.

Friday, April 21, 2017

FCC SPECTRUM AUCTION

The FCC had an auction where TV station owners could sell spectrum to wireless services. Only 175 stations sold any spectrum, less than 2% of the approximate 8000 U.S. stations. Only 145 stations will go off-the-air, 30 stations plan to move to the VHF band. About 1000 stations, that did not sell any spectrum, will be forced to change UHF channels within the next 39 months.

--  Full list of stations that sold spectrum.

Stations Percent Status
145 1.8% Will go off-air
13 0.2% Will move to VHF-Hi
17 0.2% Will move to VHF-Lo
1000 12.5% Will change UHF channels




Thursday, April 20, 2017

Court Rules on Internet Steaming OTA Broadcast

This month the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that provisions that apply to cable and satellite operators, do NOT apply to internet streaming services. Streaming services can be denied re-broadcasting Over-the-Air (OTA) channels if an agreement can't be reached.

The main issue seems to be cable and satellite systems have fixed coverage areas, limiting potential viewership. Streaming services cover virtually the entire planet, with unlimited potential viewership.

The public is (still) allowed to receive and stream OTA broadcast over their personal network.