Thoughts about low power HDTV signals.

[Gregg Lengling]

I've seen a number of comments about the fact that 58 is running low power and others.  However they are doing something aren't they??? What about the stations that haven't even constructed, I think they are the ones we should be mad at.

I don't have  a problem with them running on lower power in the startup phase over the next 1 year or so.  I think the FCC also understands this, there are economic realities to be dealt with here and we all have to understand that.  Just as the FCC does with the Auctions of PCS spectrum and such, I've participate in some FCC auctions and when you get the license you have a set period to cover a percentage of the population...notice population not viewers not users...but the financial reality of it.  That's why when wireless phone systems go on line they build out the cities first and then when they have a cash flow, build out the other areas.  I guess we just have to look at the reality of it.  You wouldn't have bought a cell phone if it didn't work in your area, but you did buy a HDTV..however that's different that a cell phone, the only payment you make to the broadcaster is watching the advertisements.  Also this is not a mobile operation so you do have at your disposal at this time to invest a few bucks extra into outdoor antennas, right?  So while we may not like the low level of signal we can definitley realize that stations cannot operate at a loss or like a government and just charge you more can they?


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Gregg R. Lengling
RCA P61310 61" 16x9
glengling@ameritech.net