Future HD broadcasts and VHF reception of UHF antennas
 

My understanding is that in 2010 the FCC will require all TV broadcasts to
be digital and will reallocate frequencies associated with channels 52-69
for other purposes. To me, this means that it's possible that some future
HD broadcasts may be in the VHF spectrum. Is this correct?

Secondly, I notice that large directional UHF Yagi antennas (CM 4248) do not
spec gain below channel 14, but simulations seem to suggest decent if not
quite good VHF performance:
http://www.hdtvprimer.com/ANTENNAS/comparing.html. Am I missing something?

Thx

In article [email protected],
says...
My understanding is that in 2010 the FCC will require all TV broadcasts to
be digital and will reallocate frequencies associated with channels 52-69
for other purposes. To me, this means that it's possible that some future
HD broadcasts may be in the VHF spectrum. Is this correct?
Many digital channels are already broadcasting in the VHF Spectrum. In
my area (Long Island, NY) channel 8 and channel 12. Also many of those
who currently have analog in the VHF and digital in the the UHF are
expected, when they are required in the future to give one back, to give
back the UHF channel. They would then broadcast their digital on VHF
instead.

So those who plan to use antennas need to consider what assignments
there local stations have before going with only a UHF antenna.

Yup, which is why I asked the second question...

"Timothy Springer" wrote in message
.. .

So those who plan to use antennas need to consider what assignments
there local stations have before going with only a UHF antenna.

In article [email protected],
says...
My understanding is that in 2010 the FCC will require all TV broadcasts to
be digital and will reallocate frequencies associated with channels 52-69
for other purposes. To me, this means that it's possible that some future
HD broadcasts may be in the VHF spectrum. Is this correct?

By the way, last I saw, the FCC has not officially changed the date. So
its still the end of 2006 not 2010. Of course many expect they may
change their mind, but without congressional approval, only until 85% of
homes in the area are able to receive Digital.

This goal (85%) looks likely to be met. Its able to receive, and does
not say they have to have a TV able to receive. So just a little over 3
years to go for most areas.

Expect a booming business in cheap DTV converters only able to output
480i signals.

On Sun, 30 Nov 2003 15:19:25 GMT, Timothy Springer
wrote:

In article [email protected],
says...
My understanding is that in 2010 the FCC will require all TV broadcasts to
be digital and will reallocate frequencies associated with channels 52-69
for other purposes. To me, this means that it's possible that some future
HD broadcasts may be in the VHF spectrum. Is this correct?
Many digital channels are already broadcasting in the VHF Spectrum. In
my area (Long Island, NY) channel 8 and channel 12. Also many of those
who currently have analog in the VHF and digital in the the UHF are

A UHF only antenna (470 to 806Mhz) can still do a reasonable job
receiving stations all the way down to channel 7... (174 Mhz, with
reduced gain.. but still good enough for most DTV reception)....

TV Channels 2 thru 6 (54 to 88Mhz)) will generally require some sort
of VHF or VHF/UHF combo antenna.

Note: I have no problems picking up DTV channels 8 and 9 in my area
(~25 miles) using my lowly 9 element UHF yagi.

expected, when they are required in the future to give one back, to give
back the UHF channel. They would then broadcast their digital on VHF
instead.

Each TV station will have a choice.
They can keep either one of the assignments.
By the time they have to make that decision, you'll probably
need a replacement antenna. (They don't last for-ever).


So those who plan to use antennas need to consider what assignments
there local stations have before going with only a UHF antenna.

But.. I still wouldn't let the UHF/VHF distinction fool you.
It's not a black and white decision.

Mark....

My interpretation is...

VHF Channels 2-13 can/will disappear after 2006 for New US
communication uses.

UHF Channels 14-49 will be kept as the only DT / HDTV transmission
frequencies.

UHF Channels 50-59 will become 'special use' digital communications
after 2007.

Chime in... How accurate might these US trends be ??




Mark Atanovich wrote:

My understanding is that in 2010 the FCC will require all TV broadcasts to
be digital and will reallocate frequencies associated with channels 52-69
for other purposes. To me, this means that it's possible that some future
HD broadcasts may be in the VHF spectrum. Is this correct?

Secondly, I notice that large directional UHF Yagi antennas (CM 4248) do not
spec gain below channel 14, but simulations seem to suggest decent if not
quite good VHF performance:
http://www.hdtvprimer.com/ANTENNAS/comparing.html. Am I missing something?

Thx

"Dennis Mayer" wrote in message
...

My interpretation is...

VHF Channels 2-13 can/will disappear after 2006 for New US
communication uses.

No way this will happen as much as I'd like to see 2-6 disappear entirely
due to impulse noise problems. After the demise of analog, stations will
have the option of doing digital on their old analog channel. Those with VHF
assignments will likely keep them as there is a prestige factor in a low
number and, more importantly, lower channels require less power for the same
broadcast radius. The electricity bill for VHF transmitters is significantly
lower.

Pat

On Sun, 30 Nov 2003 18:01:02 GMT, "Greywolf"
wrote:

"Dennis Mayer" wrote in message
...

My interpretation is...

VHF Channels 2-13 can/will disappear after 2006 for New US
communication uses.

No way this will happen as much as I'd like to see 2-6 disappear entirely
due to impulse noise problems. After the demise of analog, stations will

TV channels 2 thru 6 will be toast if the FCC allows deployment of
Broadband Power line (BPL) technology.

Direct from the FCC:
The Commission also indicated that the new DTV Table of Allotments plans for
the eventual location of all DTV channels in a core spectrum of VHF and UHF
channels that are technically most suited to DTV operation. This contrasts
with its previous proposal to locate all DTV channels on UHF channels, some
portions of which are less desirable for DTV operation. The DTV Table plan
adopted is based on use of channels 2-51. However, the Commission stated
that at the end of the transition, it would specify a core DTV spectrum of
either channels 2-46 or channels 7-51.





"Mark Atanovich" wrote in message
news:[email protected]
My understanding is that in 2010 the FCC will require all TV broadcasts to
be digital and will reallocate frequencies associated with channels 52-69
for other purposes. To me, this means that it's possible that some future
HD broadcasts may be in the VHF spectrum. Is this correct?

Secondly, I notice that large directional UHF Yagi antennas (CM 4248) do
not
spec gain below channel 14, but simulations seem to suggest decent if not
quite good VHF performance:
http://www.hdtvprimer.com/ANTENNAS/comparing.html. Am I missing
something?

Thx

Mark Atanovich ) wrote in alt.tv.tech.hdtv:
Secondly, I notice that large directional UHF Yagi antennas (CM 4248) do not
spec gain below channel 14, but simulations seem to suggest decent if not
quite good VHF performance

This is quite true.

My Channel Master 4228 (8-bay bow tie) easily picks up channels 11 and 13
from 35 miles away, with as good a quality (analog) as my Radio Shack
VU-190XR. I have no doubt that digital signals would be fine.

Also, the CM4228 does a decent job on channel 2 from 35 miles away...
although it's still unwatchable analog, it is much better than with just
the bare wire.

--
Jeff Rife | "Ho! Ha, ha! Guard! Turn! Parry!
For address harvesters: | Dodge! Spin! Ha! Thrust!"
|
| -- Daffy Duck, "Robin Hood Daffy"
|

Channel 11 is digital in my area (Central Florida). I have no trouble
picking it up with a Silver Sensor- in fact it's probably the strongest
signal and the least directional.

Greywolf wrote:

"Dennis Mayer" wrote in message
...

My interpretation is...

VHF Channels 2-13 can/will disappear after 2006 for New US
communication uses.

No way this will happen as much as I'd like to see 2-6 disappear entirely
due to impulse noise problems. After the demise of analog, stations will
have the option of doing digital on their old analog channel. Those with VHF
assignments will likely keep them as there is a prestige factor in a low
number and, more importantly, lower channels require less power for the same
broadcast radius. The electricity bill for VHF transmitters is significantly
lower.

Pat

I know for a fact that KGO-TV CH7 in San Francisco will be giving back it's UHF
channel and keeping it's VHF channel 7 when the switch happens. When this will
happen is still much speculation and debate.

Chris aka the antenna doctor