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Powering up the DTV plant
Stations operating a DTV station along side their traditional analog station have been thus far allowed to operate at reduced power. The time for that to change is now upon us. Here, straight from the FCC, are the parameters for getting your DTV station up to regulatory snuff. It comes under the heading "Replication and Maximization Deadlines." (see Radar column for A choice proposition on DTV)
* Broadcast station licensees may - - but are not required to - - replicate their analog service area on their digital channels and maximize these service areas, as previously authorized. DTV service replication generally means providing digital service over the Grade B analog area. Maximization is a means by which stations may increase their DTV signal coverage within their respective markets.
* Broadcast station licensees may certify their intention to replicate and/or maximize on their new digital channels assignments in the Election process. Such certifications are subject to sanctions if not fulfilled.
* Stations intending to replicate or maximize on post-transition digital channels must also meet the replication and maximization deadlines established in this Order. Failure to meet these deadlines results in loss of interference protection on the existing digital channel.
* Broadcast station licensees may certify their intention to replicate and/or maximize on their new digital channels assignments in the Election process. Such certifications are subject to sanctions if not fulfilled.
* Stations intending to replicate or maximize on post-transition digital channels must also meet the replication and maximization deadlines established in this Order. Failure to meet these deadlines results in loss of interference protection on the existing digital channel.
The deadlines for replication and maximization are:
* July 1, 2005: Station licensees affiliated with the top-four networks in the top 100 markets that receive a tentative digital channel designation in the channel election process on their current digital channel must construct full, authorized facilities. Such licensees that receive a tentative digital channel designation on a channel that is not their current digital channel must serve at least 100% of their analog population coverage.
* July 1, 2006: All other commercial station licensees as well as noncommercial licensees that receive a tentative digital channel designation in the channel election process on their current digital channel must construct full, authorized DTV facilities. Such licensees that receive a tentative digital channel designation on a channel that is not their current digital channel must serve at least 80% of their analog population coverage.
* Station licensees that meet these deadlines will be permitted to carry-over maximized service areas to their new digital channels. Station licensees that fail to meet these deadlines will not be able to do so.
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