HDTV Almanac - FCC Prepares to Reassign TV Spectrum

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alfredpoor
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HDTV Almanac - FCC Prepares to Reassign TV Spectrum

Post by alfredpoor »

The transition to digital broadcasting of television content freed up a lot of valuable radio spectrum, much of which the FCC auctioned off years ago for which it collected billions of dollars. Almost before the transition dust had settled, however, the FCC started to look longingly at some of the spectrum that had been assigned [...]

[url=http://www.hdtvmagazine.com/columns/2010/12/hdtv-almanac-fcc-prepares-to-reassign-tv-spectrum.php]Read Column[/url]
AVInsights
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Post by AVInsights »

Looks to me like the FCC wants to rid the spectrum of SD channels....................and how many people in the world own [or will have to buy] HDTV's??
alfredpoor
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SD not the target

Post by alfredpoor »

That's a reasonable idea, Bob, but I don't think it's the case. First, the FCC is looking at the spectrum that has been assigned to broadcasters but that they are not currently using. So all those stations that are already simulcasting SD content along with an HD channel (or like some in our area that are only broadcasting SD content over four or five channels) would not lose their current capacity. Also, the program as proposed is (1) voluntary on the part of the stations and (2) the stations would get some of the money from the sale of the spectrum licenses. If you only need a ton of bricks but had to buy two tons, and you weren't allowed to sell the extra ton, wouldn't it be nice to be given a way to get rid of this extra asset that has value but that you don't need? I think that's what the FCC is offering the TV broadcasters.

On the other hand, the TV broadcasters are trying to protect this "unused" spectrum by rolling out Mobile DTV as fast as they can, even though it is not clear (to me) that there really is a demand for this service that is not already met by wireless broadband.

Alfred
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Post by AVInsights »

AP,
I stand corrected.............guess I should have read the FCC's ENTIRE propsal but....I agree with you............mobile DTV?? I've been on the service end of the car business for the last 25 years & I've have not even heard a whisper re" mobile DTV as a new "bell-and-whistle"!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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