Suggested Timetable for DTV Conversion Consultant
This document along with its contents, conclusions and
exhibits, are provided by Evans Associates Telecommunications
Consultants for informational purposes only. Suitability for
any specific application should be obtained by contacting Evans
Associates:262-242-6000, Fax 262-242-6045, http://www.evansassoc.com
Evans Associates has proposed the following suggested timetable for conversion from NTSC television transmission to digital transmission. It is important to emphasize that the VHF and UHF spectrum reservations represented by each television channel is an exceedingly valuable resource, and it should be protected at all reasonable costs. The following schedule is compatible with preliminary recommendations of the National Association of Broadcasters, the Association of Maximum Service Telecasters, and the Broadcaster's Caucus, which includes the Public Broadcasting Service. The following steps should be undertaken for each broadcast site:
Action Time Completed
1. Check FCC DTV channel and power assignments, make May,2002
recommendation to modify table if necessary.
2. Create and budget for 6 year construction plan. June, 2002
3. Design preliminary antenna array for existing tower July, 2002
structures.
4. Determine costs for tower upgrades. August, 2002
5. Survey other licensees in market to determine September, 2002
feasiility of building common tower structure.
6. Upgrade existing NTSC interconnect transport at December,2002
lease renewal so as to be compatible with DTV.
7. Complete FCC and FAA applications. January, 2003
8. Conclude site lease agreements, building permits, June, 2003
DNR and DILHR approvals.
9. Finalize plans for live video and production September, 2003
equipment.
10. Obtain quotes or send out RFP for Basic ATV video December, 2003
equipment and DTV transport upgrade.
11. Obtain quotes or send out RFP for tower, antennas, December, 2003
transmission line and transmitter.
12. Begin construction of minimum DTV RF facilities and July, 2004
Basic ATV video facilities.
13. Complete site construction, begin testing. January, 2005
14. Begin simultaneous NTSC and DTV programming. April, 2005
15. Phase-in power increases and expansion of video June, 2006
capability as affordable.
16. Simultaneous NTSC/DTV transmission ends, remove old June, 2015
equipment and turn back one channel to FCC.
For more information please contact:
Evans Associates
210 South Main Street
Thiensville, Wisconsin 53092
(262)242-6000
fax: (262)242-6045
http://www.evansassoc.com
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