Start a LPTV Station
To start a LPTV station, the very
first step is to determine exactly what frequencies are available in your area.
Just like the radio station process, we must run a Frequency Search (see the LPTV Frequency Search Agreement).
Low Power Television Project Information
The Federal Communications Commission action in
Docket No. 86-286 concerning Low Power Television Broadcasting has generated a
great deal of interest in the ranks of potential users.
The signal from a low power station, whether VHF or
UHF, will travel to the horizon, but very little beyond. Except in very small
areas, the maximum permissible power will generally be worthwhile. It will
provide the best possible signal to the public within the coverage area but
generally it will not increase the coverage area significantly. Increased
transmitting antenna height increases the distance to the horizon but the cost
of the transmission line and installation cost all go up rapidly with height. In
addition, the transmission line absorbs power in proportion to its length,
particularly at UHF. A practical limit is generally reached at 400 to 500 feet.
In flat open terrain with a 400 foot antenna height,
an easily received signal will be available at 20 miles and homes which will
make an effort to receive the signal should get it out to 30 miles. In urban
areas the coverage, while hard to estimate, will be less due to man made
obstructions and noise.
VHF & UHF Comparisons
VHF Transmitting antennas are much larger than UHF antennae. Man made
interference, especially from power lines and automobile ignitions, frequently
cause interference to low power signals. Long distance co-channel interference
(skip) is a problem from time-to-time especially on low VHF channels (2-6). High
power FM stations can interfere with LPTV stations on Channels 6 thru 13.
Occasionally a power level of 100 watts will be
available. More often, powers of two to ten watt outputs are the maximum that
can be used.
In general, UHF channels will be free of man made
and natural interference. High gain transmitting antennas are readily available
and are relatively small. However, UHF signals do not penetrate foliage or
buildings as well as VHF, and the equipment is more expensive with respect to
both initial cost and operation (maintenance and electrical power).
Microwave Options to Increase Coverage
Licenses of LPTV stations or translators are
eligible for microwave relay frequencies in three bands as defined in part 74 of
the FCC rules: Band A at 2Gc, Band C at 8Gc and Band D at 13Gc. Most microwave
installations use .5 watt equipment, which is quite expensive. There is good
quality 20 milliwatt microwave equipment available which can be used
satisfactorily for path lengths not exceeding 10 miles (less in areas of very
heavy rainfall and more in dry areas). However it is a widely accepted and
successful practice to run translators in chains up to four or five repeats, and
such an arrangement will generally be more economical.
Application Requirements
Any qualified individual or group may apply for a television translator
station seeking a waiver for low power features. Qualification is based upon
compliance with the statutory requirements with respect to citizenship, finance
qualifications, and technical standards. An applicant must show sources of funds
readily available and equal in amount to the estimated cost of equipment and
installation, plus the cost of operation for three months.
As to technical requirements, all transmitting apparatus proposed to be utilized
must meet the requirements for type approval by the Commission as set forth in
the Rules. In addition, each proposal must contain a complete, detailed diagram
and narrative statement describing the technical aspects of the application. The
showing must include an analysis of the interference potential for the frequency
selected. Such studies, as a rule, can be made only by a qualified broadcast
technician. The Commission's staff is not available for technical assistance to
prospective applicants and the staff will only give advice on application
procedures. It is highly recommended that prospective applicants for TV
translators with low power features, retain competent broadcast technical help
in planning and submitting applications. Only those applications that are
engineered with care and certified by a technically qualified firm will be
accepted for filing and processed.
Financial Requirements
A low cost, local television station can be equipped for under $150,000.
This is much less than a conventional high power television station, and often
much less than the cost of a radio station. Financing is available up to 90% and
leasing programs for equipment are available to entities with good credit. Your
actual cast outlay prior to going on the air may be as little as $40,000.
Any individual or group may serve the community with such a television station.
Such an investor can build equity in a bonafide television broadcast station
that can become worth many times the initial investment.
Procedures too have been simplified with a view to cutting both the cost and the
time involved. Comparative merit of programs or technical proposals will not
carry any weight in considering an application. However, the Commission does
place an emphasis upon the "complete and sufficient" manner in which an
application is prepared. There is also a special effort to avoid the lengthy and
expensive hearing process through lotteries, which can make the time involved in
obtaining a permit significantly reduced. The addition of these mini-stations
reflects the Commission's emphasis upon fuller service to rural communities,
special interest groups, ethnic, educational, and other specialized audiences. A
welcome feature of this new service will be access to the viewing public by
local advertisers at prices they can afford.
If you need the FREE
Adobe Acrobat Reader to view our downloads, click here.