ntia low-power television digital programs community broadcasters association las vegas october 29,...

NTIA Low-Power NTIA Low-Power Television Television

Digital ProgramsDigital Programs

Community Broadcasters AssociationCommunity Broadcasters Association

Las Vegas Las Vegas

October 29, 2007October 29, 2007

OverviewOverview

A.A. BackgroundBackground

B. Low-Power Conversion Program (§ 3008)B. Low-Power Conversion Program (§ 3008)

C. Low-Power Upgrade Program (§ 3009)C. Low-Power Upgrade Program (§ 3009)

D. DTV Converter Coupon Program D. DTV Converter Coupon Program

A.A. BackgroundBackground

DEFICIT REDUCTION ACT OF 2005DEFICIT REDUCTION ACT OF 2005(Public Law 109-171 enacted 2/8/2006)(Public Law 109-171 enacted 2/8/2006)

Title III - Digital Television Transition and Title III - Digital Television Transition and Public Safety Act of 2005 Public Safety Act of 2005 – Allows analog Low-Power TV broadcasts Allows analog Low-Power TV broadcasts

after the full-power TV February 17, 2009 after the full-power TV February 17, 2009 digital transition deadline (digital transition deadline (§ 3002)§ 3002)

– Creates two low-power digital transition Creates two low-power digital transition programs (§§ 3008, 3009)programs (§§ 3008, 3009)

BackgroundBackground

BackgroundBackground New Low-Power Digital TV Transition New Low-Power Digital TV Transition

ProgramsPrograms

The two programs have different objectives The two programs have different objectives and eligibility requirements.and eligibility requirements.

NTIA urges each Low-Power TV licensee to NTIA urges each Low-Power TV licensee to review information about both programs review information about both programs when planning its station’s digital when planning its station’s digital conversion. conversion. www.ntia.doc.gov/lptvwww.ntia.doc.gov/lptv

BackgroundBackground NTIA Values Dialogue with Low-Power BroadcastersNTIA Values Dialogue with Low-Power Broadcasters

PresentationsPresentations– April 2007, CBA Meeting (NAB), Las VegasApril 2007, CBA Meeting (NAB), Las Vegas– May 2007, NTA Meeting, DenverMay 2007, NTA Meeting, Denver– October 2007, CBA Fall Show. Las VegasOctober 2007, CBA Fall Show. Las Vegas

Meetings, Telephone calls, E-mails with interested partiesMeetings, Telephone calls, E-mails with interested parties

Please stay in touchPlease stay in touch

B.B. Low-Power TV Low-Power TV Conversion Conversion

Program (§ Program (§ 3008)3008)

Purpose of the Conversion ProgramPurpose of the Conversion Program

““[E]ach eligible low-power television station [E]ach eligible low-power television station may receive compensation toward the may receive compensation toward the purchase of a digital-to analog conversion purchase of a digital-to analog conversion device… device…

““that enables it to convert the incoming that enables it to convert the incoming digital signal of its corresponding full-power digital signal of its corresponding full-power television station to analog format… television station to analog format…

““for transmission on the low-power television for transmission on the low-power television station’s analog channel.” station’s analog channel.” [ [§ § 3008(a)]3008(a)]..

Eligible Low-Power StationEligible Low-Power Station

Eligible Stations Eligible Stations [[§ 3008(c)]§ 3008(c)]

Low-power television broadcast stationLow-power television broadcast station Class A television stationClass A television station Television translator stationTelevision translator station Television booster stationTelevision booster station [Note: both commercial and noncommercial [Note: both commercial and noncommercial

stations are eligible]stations are eligible]


BroadcastingBroadcasting exclusively in analog formatexclusively in analog format

[[§ 3008(c)(1)]§ 3008(c)(1)]

Must be Must be broadcastingbroadcasting on date of application on date of application

– With FCC license, With FCC license, oror

– Under FCC Program/Test AuthorityUnder FCC Program/Test Authority


BroadcastingBroadcasting exclusivelyexclusively in analog format in analog format [§ 3008(c)(1)][§ 3008(c)(1)]

The following stations are not eligible:The following stations are not eligible: Stations broadcasting a digital signal on a Stations broadcasting a digital signal on a

companion channel. (Such stations are not companion channel. (Such stations are not broadcasting broadcasting exclusivelyexclusively in analog.) in analog.)

Stations that have flash cut are not Stations that have flash cut are not broadcasting broadcasting exclusively exclusively in analog.in analog.


Stations holding a Construction PermitStations holding a Construction Permit Program is intended to convert operating Program is intended to convert operating

stations receiving an stations receiving an analoganalog full-power TV full-power TV station.station.

Bare construction permits will not be eligible Bare construction permits will not be eligible unless the station completes construction and unless the station completes construction and begins broadcasting by November 29, 2007.begins broadcasting by November 29, 2007.

Stations with construction permits should plan Stations with construction permits should plan to receive their full-power to receive their full-power digital, digital, notnot analog, analog, station.station.


A station CANNOT have purchased a A station CANNOT have purchased a Digital-to-analog conversion device (DACD) Digital-to-analog conversion device (DACD) prior to enactment of the Digital Television prior to enactment of the Digital Television and Public Safety Act of 2005 (February 8, and Public Safety Act of 2005 (February 8, 2006) 2006) [[§ 3008(c)(2)]§ 3008(c)(2)]

DACD is explained in Equipment Section.DACD is explained in Equipment Section.

Summary: Station EligibilitySummary: Station Eligibility

When an application for conversion funding When an application for conversion funding

is filed, a low-power station:is filed, a low-power station: Must be broadcasting with a FCC license or Must be broadcasting with a FCC license or

program/test authority.program/test authority. Must be broadcasting only a analog signal, Must be broadcasting only a analog signal,

not on a companion channel.not on a companion channel. Cannot have purchased a digital-to-analog Cannot have purchased a digital-to-analog

conversion device before 2/8/2006.conversion device before 2/8/2006.

B2. EquipmentB2. Equipment

The program provides compensation The program provides compensation toward the cost of purchasing a digital-to-toward the cost of purchasing a digital-to-analog conversion device (DACD):analog conversion device (DACD):

“…“…digital-to-analog conversion device that digital-to-analog conversion device that enables [the station] to convert the enables [the station] to convert the incoming digital signal of its corresponding incoming digital signal of its corresponding full-power television station to analog full-power television station to analog format…” format…” [[§ 3008(a)]§ 3008(a)]

EquipmentEquipment“…“…to convert the incoming digital signal of its to convert the incoming digital signal of its corresponding full-power station…” corresponding full-power station…” [[§ 3008(a)]§ 3008(a)]

Equipment must receive/convert the incoming Equipment must receive/convert the incoming off-air signal of a full-power digital station to off-air signal of a full-power digital station to analog.analog.

Equipment cannot be used by a station that Equipment cannot be used by a station that receives an analog station in a “daisy chain.”receives an analog station in a “daisy chain.”

Equipment cannot be used by a station that Equipment cannot be used by a station that receives baseband video via satellite or receives baseband video via satellite or microwave.microwave.

EquipmentEquipment

Digital-analog Conversion Device (DACD)Digital-analog Conversion Device (DACD)

Device to pick up digital full power station Device to pick up digital full power station off-air so it can be converted to analogoff-air so it can be converted to analog

Device must auto reset to designated full Device must auto reset to designated full power TV station virtual channel (power TV station virtual channel (e.ge.g. . Ch. 26-3) in event of power failureCh. 26-3) in event of power failure

DACD will replace existing Tuner/Receiver DACD will replace existing Tuner/Receiver or existing Heterodyne Processoror existing Heterodyne Processor

EquipmentEquipment

OtherOther possible stationpossible station expensesexpenses

Off-air antenna (if full-power station changes Off-air antenna (if full-power station changes from VHF channel to UHF) from VHF channel to UHF)

Installation (depending on local conditions)Installation (depending on local conditions) Heterodyne systems may require modulator Heterodyne systems may require modulator

(in addition to Tuner/Receiver); integrated (in addition to Tuner/Receiver); integrated Tuner/Receiver/Modulator may be available.Tuner/Receiver/Modulator may be available.

EquipmentEquipment

NTIA Assistant SecretaryNTIA Assistant Secretary

“… “…Shall determine the maximum amount of Shall determine the maximum amount of compensation such a low-power television compensation such a low-power television station may receive based on the average station may receive based on the average cost of such digital-to-analog conversion cost of such digital-to-analog conversion devices…But in no case shall such devices…But in no case shall such compensation exceed $1,000” compensation exceed $1,000” (Conference (Conference Report on S. 1932, Report on S. 1932, Congressional RecordCongressional Record, 12/18/2005, p. , 12/18/2005, p. H12692 )H12692 )

EquipmentEquipment

NTIA realizes that many installations vary in NTIA realizes that many installations vary in complexity and design.complexity and design.

This program is only intended to support the This program is only intended to support the acquisition of a DACD to convert the off-air acquisition of a DACD to convert the off-air signal of a full service digital television signal of a full service digital television station.station.

Priority CompensationPriority Compensation

Section 3008(a) requires that priority compensation be given when either:

– A license is held by a non-profit corporation;

OR

– A station serves a rural area of fewer than 10,000 viewers.


Non profit corporations

Usually organized under IRS § § 501(c) [26 U.S.C. § § 501(c) excluding § § 501(c) (4)]

Usually does not refer to governmental units unless the unit has a separate corporate charter


Stations that serve rural areas

of fewer than 10,000 viewers

NTIA will use the number of viewers in the NTIA will use the number of viewers in the station’s coverage area as calculated by the station’s coverage area as calculated by the FCC’s 50/50 contour as the basis for Priority FCC’s 50/50 contour as the basis for Priority CompensationCompensation

Administrative ProceduresAdministrative Procedures

Application ProcessApplication Process

1.1. Prepare application electronically Prepare application electronically www.ntia.doc.gov/lptvwww.ntia.doc.gov/lptv

2. 2. Print and sign applicationPrint and sign application3.3. Have bank officer sign ACH payment Have bank officer sign ACH payment enrollment form (SF-3881)enrollment form (SF-3881)4.4. Mail application and bank form Mail application and bank form


All Applications must be signed by applicantAll Applications must be signed by applicant SF-3881 (ACH) must be signed by bank officialSF-3881 (ACH) must be signed by bank official Application and (ACH) SF-3881 must be Application and (ACH) SF-3881 must be

postmarked no later than postmarked no later than February 17, 2009February 17, 2009 Electronic payments will be made to applicant’s Electronic payments will be made to applicant’s

bank.bank.


Applicant must comply with Department of Applicant must comply with Department of Commerce Standard Terms and Conditions Commerce Standard Terms and Conditions for grants, as applicablefor grants, as applicable

NTIA reserves the right to request NTIA reserves the right to request documentation regarding any information documentation regarding any information supplied in a applicationsupplied in a application


Priority PeriodPriority Period (three months) (three months)– 10/29/2007-1/31/200810/29/2007-1/31/2008

– NTIA will only process applications that NTIA will only process applications that qualify for priority compensation.qualify for priority compensation.

Open PeriodOpen Period 2/1/2008-2/17/2009 2/1/2008-2/17/2009– NTIA will process all applications.NTIA will process all applications.

TimetableTimetable

Purchase Converter after February 2006 Purchase Converter after February 2006 – Receive reimbursementReceive reimbursement

Apply and receive Advance fundsApply and receive Advance funds– 6 months to purchase and install6 months to purchase and install


Submit Applications to:Submit Applications to:

NTIA LPTV Conversion ProgramNTIA LPTV Conversion Program

Room 4812Room 4812

U. S. Department of CommerceU. S. Department of Commerce

1401 Constitution Ave, NW1401 Constitution Ave, NW

Washington, DC 20230Washington, DC 20230

C. Section 3009C. Section 3009Low-Power TVLow-Power TV

Upgrade ProgramUpgrade Program

Low-Power TV Upgrade ProgramLow-Power TV Upgrade Program

Optional information on DACD application formOptional information on DACD application form

NTIA asks that stations supply additional NTIA asks that stations supply additional information information – Applicants for Conversion ProgramApplicants for Conversion Program– Station that may not be interested or eligible for Station that may not be interested or eligible for

the Conversion Program the Conversion Program Help NTIA plan for Upgrade ProgramHelp NTIA plan for Upgrade Program Assess potential participation in Upgrade ProgramAssess potential participation in Upgrade Program

Low-Power TV Upgrade ProgramLow-Power TV Upgrade ProgramOverviewOverview

$65 million authorized$65 million authorized Reimbursement for equipment to upgrade Reimbursement for equipment to upgrade

low-power television stations from analog to low-power television stations from analog to digitaldigital

Low-Power TV Upgrade ProgramLow-Power TV Upgrade ProgramOverviewOverview

Stations located in Eligible CommunitiesStations located in Eligible Communities Station that is itself broadcasting exclusively Station that is itself broadcasting exclusively

in analog formatin analog format Qualification for Priority ReimbursementQualification for Priority Reimbursement

Low-Power TV Upgrade ProgramLow-Power TV Upgrade ProgramEligible StationsEligible Stations

Low-power television broadcast stationLow-power television broadcast station Class A television stationClass A television station Television translator stationTelevision translator station Television booster stationTelevision booster station [Note: both commercial and noncommercial [Note: both commercial and noncommercial

stations are eligible]stations are eligible]

Low-Power TV Upgrade ProgramLow-Power TV Upgrade Program Eligible Rural CommunitiesEligible Rural Communities

““Any area of the United States that is not Any area of the United States that is not contained in an incorporated city or town contained in an incorporated city or town with a population in excess of 20,000 with a population in excess of 20,000 inhabitants”inhabitants”

Section 610(b)(2) of the Rural Electrification Act of 1937 (7 Section 610(b)(2) of the Rural Electrification Act of 1937 (7 U.S.C. 950bb(b)(2)U.S.C. 950bb(b)(2)

Is this the FCC Community of license?Is this the FCC Community of license? Is this the station service (coverage) area?Is this the station service (coverage) area?

– How to determine? How to document?How to determine? How to document?

Low-Power TV Upgrade ProgramLow-Power TV Upgrade Program$65 Million$65 Million

Question: How to distribute $65 million?Question: How to distribute $65 million?

––8,000 LPTV stations licensed by the FCC8,000 LPTV stations licensed by the FCC Alternative #1: If $65 million divided equally, Alternative #1: If $65 million divided equally,

average of @ $8,000 for each licensed station.average of @ $8,000 for each licensed station. Alternative #2: First-come, first served?Alternative #2: First-come, first served?

– Priority reimbursementPriority reimbursement

Alternative #3: Competitive grants?Alternative #3: Competitive grants?– What criteria?What criteria?

Low-Power TV Upgrade ProgramLow-Power TV Upgrade Program

Transmission equipmentTransmission equipment– Legislative intent appears to be to convert to Legislative intent appears to be to convert to

digital transmissiondigital transmission

Production equipmentProduction equipment– Is there enough money for production Is there enough money for production

equipment?equipment?

Low-Power TV Upgrade Program Low-Power TV Upgrade Program Exclusively in analogExclusively in analog

““That is itself broadcasting exclusively in That is itself broadcasting exclusively in analog format.” analog format.” §3009(b)(1)§3009(b)(1)

Does a station broadcasting on a digital Does a station broadcasting on a digital companion channel meet this definition?companion channel meet this definition?

Low-Power TV Upgrade ProgramLow-Power TV Upgrade ProgramPriority ReimbursementPriority Reimbursement

Priority reimbursement shall apply when:Priority reimbursement shall apply when: –– “ “License is held by a non-profit corporation”License is held by a non-profit corporation” ––““Stations that serve rural areas of fewer than Stations that serve rural areas of fewer than

10,000 viewers.”10,000 viewers.” §3009(a)§3009(a)

How to apply Priority?How to apply Priority?– Special Priority period? (for example, the Low-Special Priority period? (for example, the Low-

Power Conversion program has aPower Conversion program has a3 month Priority period?)3 month Priority period?)

– Other method?Other method?

Low-Power TV Upgrade Program Low-Power TV Upgrade Program Timetable for PaymentTimetable for Payment

““The Assistant Secretary shall make The Assistant Secretary shall make payments not to exceed $65 million during payments not to exceed $65 million during fiscal year 2009” (beginning October 1, fiscal year 2009” (beginning October 1, 2008)”2008)”“Such payments shall be issued to eligible “Such payments shall be issued to eligible stations no earlier than October 1, 2010.”stations no earlier than October 1, 2010.”

§3009(a)§3009(a)

Contact NTIAContact NTIA

Lynn Chadwick Lynn Chadwick (202) 482-8338(202) [email protected]@ntia.doc.gov

Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Texas, Utah, and WyomingMexico, Texas, Utah, and Wyoming

Larry Dyer Larry Dyer (202) 482-1762(202) [email protected]@ntia.doc.gov

All other states and territoriesAll other states and territories

mailto:[email protected]

mailto:[email protected]

Contact NTIAContact NTIA

[email protected]@ntia.doc.gov

DTV CONVERTER COUPON DTV CONVERTER COUPON PROGRAMPROGRAM

Coupons available beginning January 1, 20081-888-388-2009

www.ntia.doc.gov/dtvcoupon

Digital Stream and LG Electronics announced certified boxes for coupon program. Others currently being tested.

Radio Shack, Best Buy, Circuit City, and Walmart have announced their intention to participate.

www.ntia.doc.gov/dtvcoupon/retailer

http://www.ntia.doc.gov/dtvcoupon



HOW CAN

LOW-POWER

BROADCASTERS HELP?


Raise awareness of the digital transition and the Raise awareness of the digital transition and the Coupon ProgramCoupon Program

Educate every viewer about their choicesEducate every viewer about their choices

www.ntia.doc.govwww.ntia.doc.gov/dtvcoupon/dtvcoupon www.dtv.govwww.dtv.gov www.dtvtransition.orgwww.dtvtransition.org

http://www.ntia.doc.gov/

http://www.dtv.gov/

http://www.dtvtransition.org/


Consider …Consider … Running news segments or special programs Running news segments or special programs

devoted to the digital transition and Coupon devoted to the digital transition and Coupon ProgramProgram

Talk about the transition and coupon program on Talk about the transition and coupon program on your website and on-airyour website and on-air

Running NAB and other PSAsRunning NAB and other PSAs


Promote a station task force to make your station Promote a station task force to make your station part of the solution, not part of the problem!part of the solution, not part of the problem!

Partner with retailers in your markets to identify Partner with retailers in your markets to identify stations continuing analog broadcastsstations continuing analog broadcasts

Work with community organizations to help the Work with community organizations to help the elderly, shut-ins and others with ordering coupons elderly, shut-ins and others with ordering coupons and converter installationand converter installation


Increase viewers’ trust in your stations – help them Increase viewers’ trust in your stations – help them understand what’s happening and what they need to understand what’s happening and what they need to do!do!

Increase viewers’ understanding that some Low-Increase viewers’ understanding that some Low-Power stations will remain broadcasting in analogPower stations will remain broadcasting in analog

DTV CONVERTER COUPON DTV CONVERTER COUPON PROGRAMPROGRAMAnita Wallgren

NTIA Program Director

Tony WilhelmConsumer Education, Public Information

For more information1-888-388-2009

www.ntia.doc.gov/dtvcoupon

National Telecommunications and Information Administration U.S. Department of Commerce


ntia low-power television digital programs community broadcasters association las vegas october 29,...

Documents

power tv station

lowpower conversion

lowpower upgrade program

lowpower tv licensee

analog lowpower tv broadcasts

eligible slide

stations digital conversion

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