Indian Wells Valley TV Booster, Inc.
P.O. Box 562
Ridgecrest, CA 92556-0562
760-375-0233
October 15, 2002
Dear Friends and Supporters of TV Booster:
The TV Booster's plan to relocate UHF channels 53 through 69 to lower channels continues to be our number 1 priority (the FCC wants to take back these frequencies to satisfy widespread demand for mobile communications units -- police radio, cell phone, and similar uses). So far, we have begun re-transmitting KCOP and KABC-TV on channels 45 and 41, but we continue to use 69 and 63 while we work out interference problems with our KTBN signal and reconfiguration of "B" Mountain to pick up the new frequencies.
We may have gained some time needed to relocate channels 53 through 69. It is all connected to the planned conversion of all television broadcast signals to the new digital TV formats. Instead of the rigid deadline for complete digital conversion and the end of the old-style analog broadcasting by the end of 2005, the new "deadline" for complete conversion occurs when the FCC determines that 85% of the television receivers in an area are capable of displaying digital broadcasts. By the time that happens for the Los Angeles area, we should have already relocated our upper UHF channels.
The nation's past and prospective changes in course toward UHF TV channel re-location and the conversion to digital broadcasting continue to impact our long-range plans. Pioneering digital television translator systems have not yet emerged anywhere. For now, the wise approach seems to be building up our reserve funds, accomplishing channel relocation as economically as possible, and striving to be prepared to make the digital conversion when it is prudent.
Meanwhile, the TV Booster has been tending to problems in local FM reception. Interference with our reception of KVCR-FM (broadcast at 88.7 MHz locally) by a new transmitter at Barstow seems to have been cleared up. The Barstow broadcaster's plan was to relocate to another frequency. The ongoing problem with reception of KMZT (calls itself K-Mozart, broadcast at 96.7 MHz locally) will be addressed by new antennas on Laurel Mountain. Whether the new antennas are a cure or only a partial fix remains to be seen.
We mail this newsletter only once each year to get the lowest bulk mailing rate. So, if you have already sent a donation, we thank you for your support. Your donations are essential and are very much appreciated.
Ed Middlemiss
President
Please mark any name or address changes on the reverse side of this page, sending it and your contribution to IWV TV Booster, PO Box 562, Ridgecrest, CA 93556-0562. To save postage, we do not send a receipt unless you request one. Contributions are not tax-deductible.