Posted Wed Aug 26, 2009 at 12:30 PM PDT by Mike Attebery
WVUE is one of several stations that has recently petitioned the FCC for a switch to UHF after the DTV transition.
Originally a UHF station, New Orleans based WVUE received thousands of calls from viewers suddenly unable to receive the station after the switch. The FCC has approved the change and WVUE is going back to its former UHF channel, but more stations are seeking to change.
Broadcasting & Cable reports that WLS Chicago is one of the stations seeking a change from VHF. Granted a tentative change, WLS Chicago stated that the option to boost power first offered by the FCC would interfere with other local stations.
The reasons broadcasters desire UHF are twofold. First, UHF stations are typically granted more powerful and cleaner signals. Second, and likely a portion of the cause for the outages, is that most antennas labeled as “DTV Antennas” are UHF specific and possess either limited or no VHF capabilities. Other stations currently petitioning the FCC include KKTV in Colorado Springs, WWAZ in Wisconson, and Boston based WHDH.
See what people are saying about this story in our forums area, or check out other recent discussions.
The latest news on all things 4K Ultra HD, blu-ray and Gear.