First step if you are still in process would be to download the DTV Transition Made Easy booklet from the FCC and Consumer Union. 5 Simple Steps, in a 16-page booklet.

My sister is getting the reception without the addition of a fancy antenna, courtesy of her location. You may want to look into the service capabilities in your area by checking the Maps available on DTV.org. Personally downtown, I’m receiving all of the local channels well except for KOLR10 which is black, zilch, a non-entity. Kind of remarkable given that they were an early adopter and the original digital signal they had worked fine with my Panasonic plasma TV and basic rabbit ears. When they made their final transition to digital-only, it eliminated them from my viewing habits. I’ve heard they are increasing the power of their broadcast signal but I’m not spending any money on a new antenna. Speaking of which, I spent $40 on a ‘special antenna’ I bought at Sam’s. The result did not improve on my rabbit ears. We’ll see if it helps my sister get PBS in STL.

One other item of interest, from Videomaker, although I haven’t seen this behaviour from Mediacom yet based upon my other sister’s service in Southern Hills:

Some cable TV companies are trying to take advantage of the confusion going on over the DTV conversion. Consumer’s Union, the parent company, writes that some programs viewers enjoy on their usual cable tier are being scrambled and placed on a higher tier, requiring viewers to rent set-top boxes for every TV in the house to watch them.

The CR report goes on to say that the digital TV transition change affects only those that are watching TV via an antenna only, and that this is a deceptive excuse for a rate hike. The story adds, “If the cable company says the channel changes are due to DTV conversion mandated by the feds, notify your state’s attorney general. They’re not.” (Consumer’s Reports, November 2008).

So there you go, the MFAS basics on keeping up with DTV.

700 MHz Public Safety Spectrum

The 700 MHz Band comprises 108 megahertz of spectrum from 698-806 MHz and is designated for commercial and public safety uses. Currently, this spectrum is occupied by TV broadcasters in Channels 52-69. Congress has directed that TV broadcasters transition to digital broadcast technology and vacate the spectrum in order to accommodate wireless commercial and public safety uses of the spectrum. The Digital Television and Public Safety Act of 2005 (DTV Act) set a firm deadline of February 17, 2009, for the completion of the DTV transition. In July 2007, the Commission adopted the 700 MHz Second Report and Order that adopted a regulatory framework for the 700 MHz public safety band to facilitate the establishment of a nationwide, interoperable broadband communications network for the benefit of state and local public safety users.

That is critical to you because this is the same spectrum many wireless microphones work in.

I was recently introduced to a Sound company based in Ft Wayne Indiana that has a nice set of white papers and links to a variety of manufacturers sites related to the issues involved. Check out Sweetwaters Guide to Wireless Microphones for a nice set of resources, including potential trade-in programs.

The FCC (Federal Communications Commission) is considering kicking all wireless microphones from the 700 MHz spectrum. Turns out, many of the wireless microphones are illegally operating in the spectrum in the first place.

According to an article last month at Ars Technica, the issue will likely come to a head soon after the Digital TV transition occurs in February 2009.

Low-power auxiliary stations, including bases for wireless microphones, will be prohibited from broadcasting in the 700MHz band on TV channels 52 through 69. The FCC yesterday voted to propose the ban in a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking and Order.

Check out your existing equipment and be aware of the possible changes if you’re shopping for new gear.

Even with packing the digital TV stations into a smaller piece of spectrum, there will still be unoccupied channels in every market. These “White Spaces” are used by wireless microphones, in-ear monitors, and production intercoms. The FCC is considering the use of the “White Spaces” to deliver wireless broadband Internet service to consumer wireless devices.