[mythtv-users] FCC Broadcast Digital Channel Requirements

R. G. Newbury newbury at mandamus.org
Fri Aug 22 22:36:21 UTC 2008


Brad Fuller wrote:
> On Fri, Aug 22, 2008 at 12:41 PM, Chase Douglas
> <chasedouglas.lists at gmail.com> wrote:
> 
>> From what I have read online, though I can't find any specific regulation
>> (which may be because there is no such regulation), the FCC only mandates
>> that one version of a broadcast channel is transmitted in the clear. The
>> analog version counts, so they don't have to transmit the digital channel.
>> Secondly, the station may opt for retransmission consent instead of
>> must-carry. I am not positive if this impacts channel encryption, but I have
>> learned that the FOX/ABC affiliate here (they are the same company...) have
>> their digital channels through retransmission consent instead of must-carry.
>> All of this may change significantly in november once the analog cutoff
>> occurs, but I'm not holding up any hope of receiving HD broadcast of ABC and
>> FOX through my pcHDTV anymore...
> 
> Are you referring to the OTA cutoff? That's Feb 2009 (17th, I think),.
> 
> But, I don't see how that makes a difference since the cutoffis OTA
> and doesn't effect cable/sat services.
> 


You may want to take a look at 47 CFR 76.1621 which deals with provision 
of descrambling devices....

Geoff





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