Axcera

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Low-Power Digital TV Conversion Options
Tradeoffs between New DTV Transmitters versus
Upgrading Analog Transmitters
Dale DalesioCBA_at_NABApril 20, 2009
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Low-Power Digital TV Conversion Options

• Station Options for Digital Conversion
• Flash Cut - Convert analog channel to digital
• Apply for digital companion channel
• Power Level
• 15kW maximum ERP for UHF low-power digital (vs.
  150kW peak visual analog)
• 300W maximum ERP for VHF low-power digital (vs.
  3kW peak visual analog)
• Transmitter
• Analog Conversion
• New Digital Transmitter

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Transmitter Options

• Analog Conversion to Digital
• Convert existing analog transmitter to digital by
  changing modulator and filter

Video
Analog Transmitter
SMPTE 310
Mask Filter
Digital Transmitter
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Transmitter Options

• Analog Conversion to Digital
• Considerations
• Capable of being converted?
• Condition of analog transmitter
• Reliable?
• Parts availability?
• TPO capability after conversion
• LX Series 50 of Analog Peak
• 800A Series 45 of Analog Peak
• FCC Type Certification
• Required if operating greater than 25 of peak
  analog power
• If operating less than 25 peak analog power then
  a proof of performance is required.
• Advantages
• Lower upfront costs depends upon Analog
  Transmitter TPO and Digital ERP/TPO

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Transmitter Options

• New Digital Transmitter
• Advantages of installing a new digital
  transmitter
• New transmitters use the latest devices for
  improved operating efficiency and longer
  availability of replacement parts
• Smaller footprint
• Warranty and better reliability
• Lowest cost of ownership and operation over
  equipment life
• In some cases similar upfront cost to converting
  from analog
• Especially with Lower TPO levels (10W-100W)

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Transmitter Options

• Summary
• The digital conversion for each station should be
  considered on a case by case basis.
• Converting an analog transmitter may make sense
  for a digital station, especially at higher power
  levels above 500W.
• Consider a new transmitter, especially at lower
  power levels and where cost is similar to a
  retrofit.

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NTIA Reimbursement Program

• NTIA Low-Power Transmitter/Translator Analog to
  Digital Conversion Reimbursement Program
• Purpose to reimburse for upgrade low-power analog
  transmitters and translators to digital.
• 65 million allocated in aggregate from 2009
  through 2012
• Eligible stations will serve communities with no
  more than 20k inhabitants
• Further information available at
  www.ntia.doc.gov/lptv/upgrade.html
• First step to submit an application is to create
  a user account at https//ofacs.ntia.doc.gov/lptv
  /faces/index.jsp

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Thank You!
Weve Got You Covered!

• Booth C1319 Central Hall
• Live DTS Demonstration
• Live ATSC Mobile Demonstration
• Low Power DTV Conversion System
• Giveaway 52 Sony LCD TV

Main office 103 Freedom Drive, PO Box 525
Lawrence, Pennsylvania 15055 USA tel 1
724.873.8100 fax [phone]
www.axcera.com