Checking Out TV Antennas With a $130 VNA
VNAs usually carry a hefty price tag. How do these models compare?
RF Technology
A Busy Spring: NAB 2019, ATSC 3.0 and Repack
Some software tools—repack and field measurements.
Transitioning to New Channels—Phase 1 Deadline Looms
During the transition, many stations will be forced to use auxiliary facilities which will impact their coverage
Verifying TV Facility Coverage
This month I’ll wrap up coverage of papers at the IEEE Broadcast Symposium as part of a discussion about measuring the coverage of existing or new facilities installed as part of the FCC channel repack.
IEEE Broadcast Symposium Part 1: Repack
In recent years I’ve noticed the IEEE Broadcast Technology Society has added more presentations on the practical aspects of broadcast engineering to its annual Broadcast Symposium.
Estimating Coverage: Quick Analysis for Facility Mods
One of the first questions to come up as broadcasters consider their options for auxiliary, interim and final DTV facilities is “How much will this impact my coverage?”
Repack Deadline Passes—More Work Ahead
The FCC’s July 12 deadline for stations to file Schedule A, the engineering application for their post-repack facility, and Schedule 399, the request for reimbursement for that facility and other associated charges has passed.
Repack Work and ATSC 3.0 Dominate NAB Show
Broadcast TV antenna and transmitter manufacturers’ exhibits at the 2017 NAB Show were as packed as I’d seen since the DTV build-out a decade ago.
Repack Madness
The FCC has released the Auction Closing and Channel Reassignment Public Notice and files showing auction results, including stations that gave up their spectrum and those being repacked to another channel.
Practical ATSC 3.0 at the 2016 IEEE BTS
This month I’m continuing my coverage of the 2016 IEEE Broadcast Symposium, with a focus on presentations about ATSC 3.0 and the transition from ATSC 1.0 to ATSC 3.0.
IEEE-BTS Symposium Tackles Repack Complexity
I first attended the IEEE Broadcast Symposium 20 years ago when it was held at the Hotel Washington and it remains the “must attend” event of the fall conference schedule.
Transmitter Sites: Things to Consider for ATSC 3.0
Many stations will replace transmitters, RF systems, line and antennas as part of the channel repack after the incentive auction and it makes sense to select gear that will work for ATSC 3.0.