[BC] TV in Western (Muskegon) Michigan,

[Ron Youvan]

  antenna  Tom Spencer wrote:

> For Sale.  WMKG-CA, with a CP for the DTV conversion.

> http://www.ebay.com/itm/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=251003972662

> $300k.

> The FCC plot of the 74 dBu curve shows full coverage of the COL, and the
> seller also says they're on 5 cable systems and are negotiating with Dish...

> Since it's got the CP already - what would be minimum needed?  NTSC-to
> ATSC converter and appropriate TX on 49; antenna for 49?

> Just how much of the plant does the FCC require to be digital?

   Going from 38+ analog to 49 digital (which is soon to be removed from broadcasting services for 
wireless ISP service) will require:  (that probably does not exist there)
a NTSC TO ATSC up-converter  (HD SDI out)
a "HD SDI" to transport stream converter (ASI or SMPTE 310M transport stream out - an "encoder")
a PSIP generator (or an exciter with an integral PSIP generator, they do exist)
an on channel ATSC exciter (ASI or SMPTE 310M transport stream in)
a very linear power amplifier that will put out half of the power as a digital amplifier that would 
as an analog amplifier  (solid state strongly recommended)
an ATSC mask filter
a channel 49 antenna
an ATSC proof of performance

   I have no idea how cheaply the above can be had, I deal in dependable.

   It will never make any money without a network affiliation (one of the big five or a Spanish 
network) and it would be in competition with 1,000,000 to 300,000 Watt stations, but sufficient 
cable and satellite coverage will help a lot.  It will soon lose it's channel so taking the place of 
a XX.2 would invalidate this investment.  I don't know if the FCC is going to reimburse (for channel 
sharing) any low power or translator stations when channels 32 to 51 are removed from part 74 service.
   The bloom has been off of television broadcasting rose since 1987.

-- 
Ron KA4INM