Round one DTV channel applications

[Tom Snyder]

The round one DTV channel applications are now all on the FCC Web site. The purpose of the channel election process is for television broadcast licensees and permittees to select an in-core channel (i.e., channels 2-51) for their post-transition DTV operation. The purpose of the First Round Election Form is for all licensees/permittees currently assigned at least one in-core channel to make a channel election.

Here's what the Milwaukee stations have requested in round 1:

WMVS 8
WVCY 22
WCGV 24 or 25 (second choice)
WVTV 25 or 18 (second choice)
WTMJ 28
WITI 33
WISN 34
WMVT 35
WPXE 40
WDJT 46

FCC Application Search

[StarvingForHDTV]

If this sticks, my antenna should work fine for the future too.

[John L]

Here's what the Milwaukee stations have requested in round 1:

WMVS 8
WVCY 22
WCGV 24 or 25 (second choice)
WVTV 25 or 18 (second choice)
WTMJ 28
WITI 33
WISN 34
WMVT 35
WPXE 40
WDJT 46

FCC Application Search

You mean to tell me that WTMJ-TV isn't interested in moving their DTV  to 67.25 Mhz which happens to be US  NTSC Ch. 4?

Same with WITI-TV??  Wouldn't they rather be on ch. 6 instead of UHF ch. 33?

I thought that UHF band sucks according to these broadcasters.  The cost to operating a UHF transmitter is high as compared to operating on VHF.  Besides most people who use OTA watch mainly VHF channels.   This is why we have cable nowadays so that UHF stations aren't left out.

Remember the days we had to depend on a outdoor antenna?

-John L.

[GBK]

they've already spent money on the transmitters.. DTV now is what you're watching... why change?  and they can remap the channels as they do now, right?

[foxeng]

You mean to tell me that WTMJ-TV isn't interested in moving their DTV  to 67.25 Mhz which happens to be US  NTSC Ch. 4?

Same with WITI-TV??  Wouldn't they rather be on ch. 6 instead of UHF ch. 33?

I thought that UHF band sucks according to these broadcasters.  The cost to operating a UHF transmitter is high as compared to operating on VHF.  Besides most people who use OTA watch mainly VHF channels.   This is why we have cable nowadays so that UHF stations aren't left out.

Remember the days we had to depend on a outdoor antenna?

-John L.

There is research that shows that digital TV signals do not do well at channels 2-6 because of propagation issues and natural and manmade noise. Many, (not all) stations with either DTV or analog assignments have opted to either move up or stay on non VHF low channels (2-6).

[StarvingForHDTV]

That is good news, thanks foxeng.

[Nels Harvey]

It was my understanding that the TV channels from 2 to 6 are going to be "refarmed" and that might be the reason Ch. 4 and 6 didn't apply for their analog channel.

I think the ultimate goal is to have the spectrum for TV begin at Ch. 7, and go through Ch. 60.  The digital realm permits much closer channel spacing, and public service, business, and other agencies, are already planning for 700 MHz. service (Ch. 61 to 70).

The US government wants to sell these new frequencies at auction for "lifetime", for millions, or even billions of dollars, like the 800 MHz. frequencies were auctioned.  I've heard the Government's definition of "lifetime" is 12 years!  Can anyone substantiate that?

Nels....

[jkane]

That explains the confusion a bit!  I thought they had to go back to their old channels.  This makes it sound like they have a chioce.  Very interesting!  So if they change frequencies, are they still going to be allowed to map to their old "channel" number?

[foxeng]

It was my understanding that the TV channels from 2 to 6 are going to be "refarmed" and that might be the reason Ch. 4 and 6 didn't apply for their analog channel.

I think the ultimate goal is to have the spectrum for TV begin at Ch. 7, and go through Ch. 60.  The digital realm permits much closer channel spacing, and public service, business, and other agencies, are already planning for 700 MHz. service (Ch. 61 to 70).

The US government wants to sell these new frequencies at auction for "lifetime", for millions, or even billions of dollars, like the 800 MHz. frequencies were auctioned.  I've heard the Government's definition of "lifetime" is 12 years!  Can anyone substantiate that?

Nels....

When the transition is complete, TV will be from channel 2-51.