Latest articles by Charles W. Rhodes
Unlicensed Devices Could Compromise EAS
Since my article in the Oct. 19, 2005 issue of TV Technology, ("Developing a 24/7 Digital EAS System"), some real progress has been made by the FCC in the matter of the Emergency Alert System.
Probable Causes and Solutions Found for Poor Reception
Charles Rhodes reports on an unusual DTV reception problem he experienced.
Testing Interference on UHF Taboo Channels
The FCC regulates co-channel and adjacent channel interference by its channel allotment plan. It does not regulate “taboo channel interference,” a term left over from analog television.
Test Results for DTV-DTV Interference From ‘UHF Taboo Channels’
Tests demonstrated that DTV-DTV interference will happen.
Concern Over Interference Continues
The saga of the FCC Laboratories Report, “Interference Rejection Thresholds of Consumer Digital Television Receivers Available in 2005 and 2006” continues.
DTV Reception 24 7
The first time I received an e-mail about DTV reception only during daylight hours, I was dubious.
Testing Interference Rejection of DTV Converter Boxes
We found that the maximum undesired signal at which these units could perform was between –22.2 dBm for the best box, to –28.7 dBm for the worst.
Will SFNs Work in North America?
The FCC suggests that by adopting a Single Frequency Network topology, the present minimum distances allowed between DTV transmitters could be substantially reduced.
Spectrum Repacking Looms for TV Broadcasters
Reducing the distances between transmitters on the same channel would increase DTV-DTV interference if each transmitter continued to operate at its present power and height of its antenna.
FMI into the Low VHF Band
I have serious concerns about the viability of such a broadcast service.
Television Reception History Repeats Itself
The January 1954 issue of "Proceedings of the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers" was a special issue devoted entirely to the NTSC compatible color television system adopted by the FCC.
DTV Interference Could Be Mitigated by Receivers
My previous column introduced readers to a new parameter, third-order intermodulation (IM3), which is the sideband splatter from a DTV transmitter into both adjacent channels.
Sorting Out Reception Obstacles
The future is digital, 16:9 and gigantic. And I believe the future is now.
The Tide is Turning
Now that the FCC has established its timetable for broadcasters to elect which channel to return, I believe these same broadcasters will seek to maximize their DTV facilities.
