Get Ready To Change the Channel

The FCC is in the process of realigning the TV broadcast channels again.  Not too long ago you might remember we were all required to get new TV sets in order to enjoy the new digital HD TV channels.  At that time most TV stations, both commercial and public were required to use new channels on which to broadcast.  So locally Channels 5, 9, 12, 48 and 64 built new digital transmitters and for the most part began broadcasting on new channels.  Because the new sets were able to display the old channel numbers even though the actual channels had changed, few of us even cared that Channel 5 was actually broadcasting on channel 35 or that 48 was really channel 34.

There is a good reason for these changes.  The FCC is trying to develop a plan to use all the broadcast channels in the most efficient way so additional bandwidth can be opened up for the exploding wireless market.  Today in this country there are many more wireless devices than there are people.  Take an inventory of your house.  The smartphone, tablet, gaming device, hands free telephone, blue tooth speakers and headphones, wireless doorbell, baby monitor and your garage opener all compete for bandwidth space which is a finite resource.  By moving TV broadcasters to lower frequencies, most in the VHF Band (Channels 2-13), large portions of bandwidth will be available to auction to the Verizons and AT&Ts of the world for wireless devices.

Most likely this first phase of the transition will not require the purchase of new TV sets.  However, at the same time this reorganization of channels is going on, the industry is developing new technology to replace the Digital Broadcasting technology adopted just about 15 years ago. You will remember needing to buy a new Digital TV or connect one of those DTV convertors to your existing set.  You may need to do it again.

This new TV technology will provide higher resolution, more robust over-the-air reception and many features similar to those now found only on internet- connected smart TVs.  How quickly this will happen is anyone’s guess but for sure it will roll out much faster than the roll out of DTV at the beginning of this century.  Whether it will be a shot in the arm for local broadcasters is still unknown.  Many local TV stations are finding it harder and harder to compete with the plethora of non-broadcast options.  We will have to just stay tuned.