[BC] HDTV rollout wrinkle

[harold stanton]

 As most of you do radio, and are familiar with those form of power measurements, the DTV powers that you see are not what you surmise.
 The methods of measurements is done on an RMS detecting meter such as an HP4418.
 The REAL peak powers are 6 to 7db higher that what is measured.
 So 1MW at UHF is really equal to 4 to 5MW peak power.
 There are some demodulating advantages to DTV, and those were "determined" to be some 6db better than NTSC.
 Now the real deal depends on just what the consumer has for an antenna, and whether they had a good signal or were putting up with a less that "full quieting" picture in analog.
 I did to a channel change from UHF temporary back to Low VHF with very good results, but at a ERP of 12.5KW (which really equals 50 to 60KW peak). 
 This only resulted in some 100+- viewer calls, most all of which were corrected by re-scanning to delete the UHF 
 BUT that was in a very unique area and the station is now the only one that provides coverage to any of the rural area viewers and cable companies.
 Those that went to UHF were lost after "dooms-day".
 SO my advice and determinations proved correct in that unique circumstance.
 That being said, the post transition channel is a difficult choice, for each and every station. And the individual circumstances of that area will dictate the decision.
    Harold stanton
American Broadcast Consultants