Indian Wells Valley TV Booster, Inc.
P.O. Box 562
Ridgecrest, CA 92556-0562
760-375-0233
October 1, 2004
see our web site: iwvtvbooster.org
Dear Friends and Supporters of TV Booster:
Summer is over, the new fall TV programs are being aired, and the transition to digital TV broadcasting is speeding ahead, ready or not. Digital TV broadcasting has actually begun already for Los Angeles stations; what the FCC means by the "transition" is that the familiar "analog" signals that we have been using for decades will go away, and digital transmissions will be the only remaining TV broadcast signals in L.A. The problem that makes for the TV Booster is all of the equipment it now uses is unapproved for use with digital signals; the FCC has prepared a set of rules for digital TV translation, but we haven't yet been able to look at the new rules. Time is short for deciding what's needed and how much must be done to the TV Booster system to prepare for the "transition." The original deadline was set for the beginning of January, 2006; now it seems more time will be allowed, but how much more is uncertain.
Making the digital transition will be painful for the TV Booster and its users. We don't know how many of our translators will need full replacement (at a high cost) and how many can be simply and inexpensively modified. Once the TV Booster starts transmitting digital TV signals, its users will need either a special set-top box or a full capacity digital TV receiver. The special set-top box is one that contains a digital TV tuner and a converter that changes the digital signal to analog format for connection to older TV sets. A full capability digital TV receiver contains a digital tuner that decodes the digital, spread-spectrum broadcast signal, converting it into a displayable picture. An "HD-ready" receiver does not have the tuner, but when connected to either a satellite box or a cable box which does have the tuner, can display the HD (high definition) television picture at full resolution (all the picture content present in the signal). HDTV receivers with digital tuners are now available for less than $1,000. Please note devices named with the word "digital" (other than a digital TV tuner) are of no help in receiving digital TV broadcasts.
Other matters of concern to the TV Booster include relocation of channels 52 through 69 and the availability of volunteers to accomplish tasks needing doing. The Booster has already surrendered licenses to channels 63 and 69, which have been replaced with channels 41 and 45, respectively. How much more time is available to relocate the other seven TV Booster channels that will be affected is unknowable. We hope that the only inconvenience to Booster users will be getting used to new, lower channels as they are put into use. Limited availability of volunteers will appropriate skills of late has affected TV Booster signal quality and reliability.
Do help with a donation to keep the TV Booster broadcasting to the Indian Wells Valley. 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.