[Outland]

"...and it costs TV stations to send out both analog and digital signals, which they are doing now..."

I don't see how that statement is correct.  It doesn't cost a TV station to send out an analog signal anymore than it costs to send a digital signal.

[mriguy67]

I have a question. Arent a lot of vcr’s made yrs ago already have a digital tuner and couldnt you use that instead of a converter box?

[VAarea]

Actually, the digital transmitter is separate and currently running simultaneously with the analog transmitter. I’ve heard that some stations have deferred maintenance on their analog system, assuming the scheduled transition. Delay will result in additional costs, for both upkeep and power for the analog transmitter in order to maintain simultaneous operation.

[BurbankKarl]

The analog and digital signals are on two different transmitters....and they are also installing additional micro transmitters in hard to reach areas.

I have read that a lot of the broadcasters will reduce their analog signals to their license minimum on Feb 17 if the switchover is delayed...to reduce power for those four unplanned months.

[Paleo Conservative]

I don't see how that statement is correct. It doesn't cost a TV station to send out an analog signal anymore than it costs to send a digital signal.

But it costs more than double to send out both simulaneously at full power. I was talking to the manager of a local network affiliate that has a 1 megawatt UHF transmitter. He says it would have cost them an extra $10,000 per month to have dual transmitters. The only reason they don't have to spend that is that they just received their analog license a year ago and were not allotted an additional channel for broadcasting digital TV. Instead they will be shutting off their old analog transmitter, and then switch immediately to digital using the same frequency and tower.

[disposable hero]

You can’t broadcast analog and digital on the same frequency, so they have to run two transmitters, doubling their power bills. (around here, it means at least $100/hr just for the electricity. TV transmitters aren’t restricted to the 50KW of the other broadcast bands)

One question I haven’t seen answered. Currently stations are doing their digital broadcasting on some other frequency, which maps back to their assigned analog channel. After the cutover, will they switch their digital broadcast to their original analog frequency, or stay on their new “temporary” frequency? The VHF signal has longer reach, so they might want to move as a result. (I wonder because I currently use a UHF only antenna....)