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(c) A low power TV or TV translator station application will not be accepted if it specifies a site that is within the protected contour of a co-channel or first adjacent channel land mobile assignment.
(d) The low power TV or TV translator station field strength is calculated from the proposed effective radiated power (ERP) and the antenna height above average terrain (HAAT) in pertinent directions.
(1) The field strength is calculated using Figure 10c of §73.699 (F(50, 10) charts) of Part 73 of this chapter.
(2) A low power TV or TV translator station application will not be accepted if it specifies the same channel as one of the land mobile assignments and its field strength at the land mobile protected contour exceeds 52 dBu.
(3) A low power TV or TV translator station application will not be accepted if it specifies a channel that is one channel above or below one of the land mobile assignments and its field strength at the land mobile protected contour exceeds 76 dBu.
(e) To protect stations in the Offshore Radio Service, a low power TV or TV translator station construction permit application will not be accepted if it specifies operation on channels 15, 16, 17 or 18 in the following areas. West Longitude and North Latitude are abbreviated as W.L. and N.L. respectively.
(1) On Channel 15: west of 92°00' W.L.; east of 98°30' W.L.; and south of a line extending due west from 30°30' N.L., 92°00' W.L. to 30°30' N.L., 96°00' W.L.; and then due southwest to 28°00' N.L., 98°30' W.L.
(2) On Channel 16: west of 86°40' W.L.; east of 96°30' W.L.; and south of a line extending due west from 31°00' N.L., 86°40' W.L. to 31°00' N.L., 95°00' W.L. and then due southwest to 29°30' N.L., 96°30' W.L.
(3) On Channel 17: west of 86°30' W.L.; east of 96°00' W.L.; and south of a line extending due west from 31°00' N.L., 86°30' W.L. to 31°30' N.L., 94°00' W.L. and then due southwest to 29°30' N.L., 96°00' W.L.
(4) On Channel 18: west of 87°00' W.L.; east of 95°00' W.L.; and south of 31°00' N.L.
[47 FR 21499, May 18, 1982, as amended at 50 FR 12027, Mar. 27, 1985; 50 FR 33942, Aug. 22, 1985; 69 FR 31906, June 8, 2004] § 74.710 Digital low power TV and TV translator station protection.
(a) An application to construct a new low power TV, TV translator, or TV booster station or change the facilities of an existing station will not be accepted if it fails to protect an authorized digital low power TV or TV translator station or an application for such station filed prior to the date the low power TV, TV translator, or TV booster application is filed.
(b) Applications for low power TV, TV translator and TV booster stations shall protect digital low power TV and TV translator stations pursuant to the following requirements:
(1) An application must not specify an antenna site within the protected contour of a co-channel or adjacent channel digital low power TV or TV translator station, as defined in §74.792.
(2) The ratio in dB of the field strength of the low power TV, TV translator or TV booster station at the protected contour of a co-channel digital TV or TV translator station must meet the requirements specified in §74.706(d)(1).
(3) The ratio in dB of the field strength of the low power TV, TV translator or TV booster station at the protected contour of a digital low power TV or TV translator station on the lower and upper adjacent channels must not exceed 49 dB and 48 dB, respectively.
(4) The analysis used in 74.710 should use the propagation methods specified in §74.706(c).
(c) As an alternative to the requirements of paragraph (b) of this section, an applicant for a low power TV, TV translator or TV booster may make full use of terrain shielding and Longley-Rice terrain dependent propagation prediction methods to demonstrate that the proposed facility would not be likely to cause interference to digital low power TV or TV translator stations, as described in §74.707(e) (i.e., reduce the service population by no more than 0.5% within the station's protected contour based on the interference thresholds of §73.623(c) of this chapter).
[69 FR 69332, Nov. 29, 2004] § 74.731 Purpose and permissible service.
(a) Television broadcast translator stations and television broadcast booster stations provide a means whereby the signals of television broadcast stations may be retransmitted to areas in which direct reception of such television broadcast stations is unsatisfactory due to distance or intervening terrain barriers.
(b) Except as provided in paragraph (f) of this section, a television broadcast translator station or television broadcast booster station may be used only to receive the signals of a television broadcast station, another television broadcast translator station, a television translator relay station, a television intercity relay station, a television STL station, or other suitable source such as a CARS or common carrier microwave station, for the simultaneous retransmission of the programs and signals of a television broadcast station. Such retransmissions may be accomplished by either:
(1) Reception of the television programs and signals of a television broadcast station directly through space, conversion to a different channel by simple heterodyne frequency conversion and suitable amplification; or,
(2) Modulation and amplification of a video and audio feed, in which case modulating equipment meeting the requirements of §74.750(d) shall be used.
(c) The transmissions of each television broadcast translator station shall be intended for direct reception by the general public and any other use shall be incidental thereto. A television broadcast translator station shall not be operated solely for the purpose of relaying signals to one or more fixed receiving points for retransmission, distribution, or further relaying.
(d) The technical characteristics of the retransmitted signals shall not be deliberately altered so as to hinder reception on conventional television broadcast receivers.
(e) A television broadcast translator station shall not deliberately retransmit the signals of any station other than the station it is authorized by license to retransmit. Precautions shall be taken to avoid unintentional retransmission of such other signals.
(f) A locally generated radio frequency signal similar to that of a TV broadcast station and modulated with visual and aural information may be connected to the input terminals of a television broadcast translator or low power station for the purposes of transmitting still photographs, slides and voice announcements. The radio frequency signals shall be on the same channel as the normally used off-the-air signal being rebroadcast. When transmitting originations concerning financial support or public service announcements, connection of the locally generated signals shall be made automatically either by means of a time switch or upon receipt of a control signal from the TV station being rebroadcast designed to actuate the switching circuit. The switching circuit will be so designed that the input circuit will be returned to the off-the-air signal within 30 seconds. The connection for emergency transmissions may be made manually. The apparatus used to generate the local signal which is used to modulate the translator or low power station must be capable of producing a visual or aural signal or both which will provide acceptable reception on television receivers designed for the transmission standards employed by TV broadcast stations. The visual and aural materials so transmitted shall be limited to emergency warnings of imminent danger, to local public service announcements and to seeking or acknowledging financial support deemed necessary to the continued operation of the station. Accordingly, the originations concerning financial support and PSAs are limited to 30 seconds each, no more than once per hour. Acknowledgements of financial support may include identification of the contributors, the size and nature of the contribution and advertising messages of contributors. Emergency transmissions shall be no longer or more frequent than necessary to protect life and property.
(g) Low power TV stations may operate under the following modes of service:
(1) As a TV translator station, subject to the requirements of this part;
(2) For origination of programming and commercial matter as defined in §74.701(f);
(3) For the transmission of subscription television broadcast (STV) programs, intended to be received in intelligible form by members of the public for a fee or charge subject to the provisions of §§73.642(e) and 73.644.
(h) A low power TV station may not be operated solely for the purpose of relaying signals to one or more fixed receiving points for retransmission, distribution or relaying.
(i) Low power TV stations are subject to no minimum required hours of operation and may operate in any of the 3 modes described in paragraph (g) of this section for any number of hours.
(j) Television broadcast booster stations provide a means whereby the licensee of a television broadcast station may provide service to areas of low signal strength in any region within the primary station's Grade B contour. The booster station may not be located outside the predicted Grade B of its primary station nor may the predicted Grade B signal of the television booster station extend beyond the predicted Grade B contour of the primary station. A television broadcast booster station is authorized to retransmit only the signals of its primary station; it shall not retransmit the signals of any other stations nor make independent transmissions. However, locally generated signals may be used to excite the booster apparatus for the purpose of conducting tests and measurements essential to the proper installation and maintenance of the apparatus.
(k) The transmissions of a television broadcast booster station shall be intended for direct reception by the general public. Such stations will not be permitted to establish a point-to-point television relay system.
[28 FR 13722, Dec. 14, 1963, as amended at 43 FR 1951, Jan. 13, 1978; 47 FR 21499, May 18, 1982; 47 FR 40172, Sept. 13, 1982; 48 FR 21487, May 12, 1983; 52 FR 31404, Aug. 20, 1987] § 74.732 Eligibility and licensing requirements.
(a) A license for a low power TV or TV translator station may be issued to any qualified individual, organized group of individuals, broadcast station licensee, or local civil governmental body.
(b) More than one low power TV or TV translator station may be licensed to the same applicant whether or not such stations serve substantially the same area. Low power TV and TV translator stations are not counted for purposes of §73.3555, concerning multiple ownership.
(c) Only one channel will be assigned to each low power TV or TV translator station. Additional low power or translator stations may be authorized to provide additional reception. A separate application is required for each station and each application must be complete in all respects.
(d) The FCC will not act on applications for new low power TV or TV translator stations, for changes in facilities of existing stations, or for changes in output channel tendered by displaced stations pursuant to §73.3572(a)(1), when such changes will result in a major change until the applicable time for filing a petition to deny has passed pursuant to §73.3584(c).
(e) A proposal to change the primary TV station being retransmitted or an application of a licensed translator station to include low power TV station operation, i.e., program origination or subscription service will be subject only to a notification requirement.
(f) Applications for transfer of ownership or control of a low power TV or TV translator station will be subject to petitions to deny.
(g) A television broadcast booster station will be authorized only to the licensee or permittee of the television station whose signals the booster will rebroadcast, to areas within the Grade B contour of the primary station.
(h) No numerical limit is placed on the number of booster stations that may be licensed to a single licensee. A separate license is required for each television broadcast booster station.
[47 FR 21499, May 18, 1982, as amended at 48 FR 21487, May 12, 1983; 49 FR 20504, May 15, 1984; 52 FR 7423, Mar. 11, 1987; 52 FR 10571, Apr. 2, 1987; 52 FR 31404, Aug. 20, 1987] § 74.733 UHF translator signal boosters.
(a) The licensee of a UHF television broadcast translator station may be authorized to operate one or more signal boosters for the purpose of providing reception to small shadowed areas within the area intended to be served by the translator.
(b) The transmitting apparatus shall consist of a simple linear radio frequency amplifier, with one or more amplifying stages, which is capable of receiving, amplifying, and retransmitting the signals of the parent translator without significantly altering any electrical characteristic of the received signal other than its amplitude. The maximum power input to the plate of the final radio frequency amplifier shall not exceed 5 watts.
(c) The amplifier shall be equipped with suitable circuits which will automatically cause it to cease radiating if no signal is being received from the parent translator station. Care shall be taken in the design of the apparatus to insure that out-of-band radiation is not excessive and that adequate isolation is maintained between the input and output circuits to prevent unstable operation.
(d) The installation of the apparatus and its associated receiving and transmitting antennas shall be in accordance with accepted principles of good engineering practice. Either horizontal, vertical, or circular polarization of the electric field of the radiated signal may be employed. If the isolation between the input and output circuits depends in part upon the polarization or directive properties of the transmitting and receiving antennas, the installation shall be sufficiently rugged to withstand the normal hazards of the environment.
(e) The operation of a UHF translator signal booster is subject to the condition that no harmful interference is caused to the reception of any station, broadcast or non-broadcast, other than the parent translator. The licensee of the UHF translator signal booster is expected to use reasonable diligence to minimize interference to the direct reception of the parent translator station.
(f) UHF translator signal boosters may be operated unattended. Repairs and adjustments shall be made by a qualified person. The required qualifications are set forth in §74.750 (g) and (h).
(g) An individual call sign will not be assigned to a UHF translator booster station. The retransmission of the call sign of the parent translator will serve as station identification.
(h) Applications for authority to construct and operate a UHF translator signal booster shall be submitted on FCC Form 346A. No construction of facilities or installation of apparatus at the proposed transmitter site shall be made until a construction permit therefor has been issued by the Commission.
(i) The provisions of §74.765 concerning posting of station license shall apply to a UHF translator signal booster except that the parent UHF translator call sign, followed by the word “Booster”, shall be displayed at the signal booster site.
(j) The provisions of §§74.767 and 74.781 concerning marking and lighting of antenna structures and station records, respectively, apply to UHF translator signal boosters.
Note: Effective July 11, 1975, no new UHF signal boosters will be authorized. Licensees of such existing boosters may make application for renewal of license or change in facilities on the applicable FCC forms for Television Broadcast Translator Stations (Form 346, for construction permits; 347, for license to cover construction permit; and 303-S, for renewal of license). Report and Order, Docket No. 20372. May 28, 1975.
[28 FR 13722, Dec. 14, 1963, as amended at 40 FR 25022, June 12, 1975; 59 FR 63052, Dec. 7, 1994] § 74.734 Attended and unattended operation.
(a) Low power TV, TV translator, and TV booster stations may be operated without a designated person in attendance if the following requirements are met:
(1) If the transmitter site cannot be promptly reached at all hours and in all seasons, means shall be provided so that the transmitting apparatus can be turned on and off at will from a point that readily is accessible at all hours and in all seasons.
(2) The transmitter also shall be equipped with suitable automatic circuits that will place it in a nonradiating condition in the absence of a signal on the input channel or circuit.
(3) The transmitting and the ON/OFF control, if at a location other than the transmitter site, shall be adequately protected against tampering by unauthorized persons.
(4) A letter notification must be filed with the FCC in Washington, DC, Attention: Video Division, Media Bureau, providing the name, address, and telephone number of a person or persons who may be called to secure suspension of operation of the transmitter promptly should such action be deemed necessary by the FCC. Such information shall be kept current by the licensee.
(5) In cases where the antenna and supporting structure are considered to be a hazard to air navigation and are required to be painted and lighted under the provisions of part 17 of the Rules, the licensee shall make suitable arrangements for the daily observations, when required, and lighting equipment inspections required by §§17.37 and 17.38 of the FCC rules.
(b) An application for authority to construct a new low power TV station (when rebroadcasting the programs of another station) or TV translator station or to make changes in the facilities of an authorized station, and that proposes unattended operation, shall include an adequate showing as to the manner of compliance with this section.
[47 FR 21500, May 18, 1982, as amended at 48 FR 21487, May 12, 1983; 60 FR 55483, Nov. 1, 1995; 63 FR 33878, June 22, 1998; 67 FR 13233, Mar. 21, 2002] § 74.735 Power limitations.
(a) The maximum peak effective radiated power (ERP) of an analog low power TV, TV translator, or TV booster station shall not exceed:
(1) 3 kW for VHF channels 2–13; and
(2) 150 kW for UHF channels 14–69.
(b) The maximum ERP of a digital low power TV, TV translator, or TV booster station (average power) shall not exceed:
(1) 300 watts for VHF channels 2–13; and
(2) 15 kW for UHF channels 14–69.
(c) The limits in paragraphs (a) and (b) apply separately to the effective radiated powers that may be obtained by the use of horizontally or vertically polarized transmitting antennas, providing the applicable provisions of §§74.705, 74.706, 74.707 and 74.709 are met. For either omnidirectional or directional antennas, where the ERP values of the vertically and horizontally polarized components are not of equal strength, the ERP limits shall apply to the polarization with the larger ERP. Applications proposing the use of directional antenna systems must be accompanied by the following:
(1) Complete description of the proposed antenna system, including the manufacturer and model number of the proposed directional antenna. It is not acceptable to label the antenna with only a generic term such as “Yagi” or “Dipole”. A specific model number must be provided. In the case of individually designed antennas with no model number, or in the case of a composite antenna composed of two or more individual antennas, the antenna should be described as a “custom” or “composite” antenna, as appropriate. A full description of the design of the antenna should also be submitted.
(2) Relative field horizontal plane pattern (horizontal polarization only) of the proposed directional antenna. A value of 1.0 should be used for the maximum radiation. The plot of the pattern should be oriented so that 0° corresponds to the maximum radiation of the directional antenna or, alternatively in the case of a symmetrical pattern, to the line of symmetry. The 0° on the plot should be referenced to the actual azimuth with respect to true North.
(3) A tabulation of the relative field pattern required in paragraph (c)(2), of this section. The tabulation should use the same zero degree reference as the plotted pattern, and be tabulated at least every 10°. In addition, tabulated values of all maximas and minimas, with their corresponding azimuths, should be submitted.
(4) All horizontal plane patterns must be plotted to the largest scale possible on unglazed letter-size polar coordinate paper (main engraving approximately 18 cm × 25 cm (7 inches × 10 inches)) using only scale divisions and subdivisions of 1, 2, 2.5 or 5 times 10-nth. Values of field strength on any pattern less than 10% of the maximum field strength plotted on that pattern must be shown on an enlarged scale.
(5) The horizontal plane patterns that are required are the patterns for the complete directional antenna system. In the case of a composite antenna composed of two or more individual antennas, this means that the patterns for the composite antenna composed of two or more individual antennas, not the patterns for each of the individual antennas, must be submitted.
[30 FR 8847, July 14, 1965, as amended at 41 FR 28267, July 9, 1976; 47 FR 21500, May 18, 1982; 48 FR 21487, May 12, 1983; 52 FR 7423, Mar. 11, 1987; 52 FR 31404, Aug. 20, 1987; 58 FR 44951, Aug. 25, 1993; 62 FR 26722, May 14, 1997] § 74.736 Emissions and bandwidth.
(a) The license of a low power TV, TV translator, or TV booster station authorizes the transmission of the visual signal by amplitude modulation (A5) and the accompanying aural signal by frequency modulation (F3).
(b) Standard width television channels will be assigned and the transmitting apparatus shall be operated so as to limit spurious emissions to the lowest practicable value. Any emissions including intermodulation products and radio frequency harmonics which are not essential for the transmission of the desired picture and sound information shall be considered to be spurious emissions.
(c) Any emissions appearing on frequencies more than 3 MHz above or below the upper and lower edges, respectively, of the assigned channel shall be attenuated no less than:
(1) 30 dB for transmitters rated at no more than 1 watt power output.
(2) 50 dB for transmitters rated at more than 1 watt power output.
(3) 60 dB for transmitters rated at more than 100 watts power output.
(d) Greater attenuation than that specified in paragraph (c) of this section may be required if interference results from emissions outside the assigned channel.
[28 FR 13722, Dec. 14, 1963, as amended at 33 FR 8677, June 13, 1968; 36 FR 19592, Oct. 8, 1971; 47 FR 21500, May 18, 1982; 52 FR 31404, Aug. 20, 1987] § 74.737 Antenna location.
(a) An applicant for a new low power TV, TV translator, or TV booster station or for a change in the facilities of an authorized station shall endeavor to select a site that will provide a line-of-sight transmission path to the entire area intended to be served and at which there is available a suitable signal from the primary station, if any, that will be retransmitted.
(b) The transmitting antenna should be placed above growing vegetation and trees lying in the direction of the area intended to be served, to minimize the possibility of signal absorption by foliage.
(c) A site within 8 kilometers of the area intended to be served is to be preferred if the conditions in paragraph (a) of this section can be met.
(d) Consideration should be given to the accessibility of the site at all seasons of the year and to the availability of facilities for the maintenance and operation of the transmitting equipment.
(e) The transmitting antenna should be located as near as is practical to the transmitter to avoid the use of long transmission lines and the associated power losses.
(f) Consideration should be given to the existence of strong radio frequency fields from other transmitters at the site of the transmitting equipment and the possibility that such fields may result in the retransmissions of signals originating on frequencies other than that of the primary station being rebroadcast.
[47 FR 21500, May 18, 1982, as amended at 52 FR 31404, Aug. 20, 1987] § 74.750 Transmission system facilities.
(a) A low power TV, TV translator, or TV booster station shall operate with a transmitter that is either certificated for licensing under the provisions of this subpart or type notified for use under part 73 of this chapter.
(b) Transmitting antennas, antennas used to receive the signals to be rebroadcast, and transmission lines are not certificated by the FCC. External preamplifiers also may be used provided that they do not cause improper operation of the transmitting equipment, and use of such preamplifiers is not necessary to meet the provisions of paragraph (c) of this section.
(c) The following requirements must be met before low power TV and TV translator transmitters will be certificated by the FCC:
(1) The equipment shall be so designed that the electrical characteristics of a standard television signal introduced into the input terminals will be maintained at the output. The overall response of the apparatus within its assigned channel, when operating at its rated power output and measured at the output terminals, shall provide a smooth curve, varying within limits separated by no more than 4 dB: Provided, however, That means may be provided to reduce the amplitude of the aural carrier below those limits, if necessary to prevent intermodulation which would mar the quality of the retransmitted picture or result in emissions outside of the assigned channel.
(2) Radio frequency harmonics of the visual and aural carriers, measured at the output terminals of the transmitter, shall be attenuated no less than 60 dB below the peak visual output power within the assigned channel. All other emissions appearing on frequencies more than 3 megacycles above or below the upper and lower edges, respectively, of the assigned channel shall be attenuated no less than:
(i) 30 dB for transmitters rated at no more than 1 watt power output.
(ii) 50 dB for transmitters rated at more than 1 watt power output.
(iii) 60 dB for transmitters rated at more than 100 watts power output.
(3) When subjected to variations in ambient temperature between minus 30 degrees and plus 50 degrees Centigrade and variations in power main voltage between 85 percent and 115 percent of rated power supply voltage, the local oscillator frequency stability shall maintain the operating frequency within:
(i) 0.02 percent of its rated frequency for transmitters rated at no more than 100 watts peak visual power.
(ii) 0.002 percent of the rated frequency for transmitters rated at more than 100 watts peak visual power.
(iii) Plus or minus 1 kHz of its rated frequency for transmitters to be used at stations employing offset carrier frequency operation.
(4) The apparatus shall contain automatic circuits which will maintain the peak visual power output constant within 2 dB when the strength of the input signal is varied over a range of 30 dB and which will not permit the peak visual power output to exceed the maximum rated power output under any condition. If a manual adjustment is provided to compensate for different average signal strengths, provision shall be made for determining the proper setting for the control, and if improper adjustment of the control could result in improper operation, a label shall be affixed at the adjustment control bearing a suitable warning.
(5) The apparatus must be equipped with automatic controls that will place it in a non-radiating condition when no signal is being received on the input channel, either due to absence of a transmitted signal or failure of the receiving portion of the facilities used for rebroadcasting the signal of another station. The automatic control may include a time delay feature to prevent interruptions caused by fading or other momentary failures of the incoming signal.
(6) The tube or tubes employed in the final radio frequency amplifier shall be of the appropriate power rating to provide the rated power output of the translator. The normal operating constants for operation at the rated power output shall be specified. The apparatus shall be equipped with suitable meters or meter jacks so that appropriate voltage and current measurements may be made while the apparatus is in operation.
(7) The transmitters of over 0.001 kW peak visual power (0.002 kW when circularly polarized antennas are used) shall be equipped with an automatic keying device that will transmit the call sign of the station, in International Morse Code, at least once each hour during the time the station is in operation when operating in the translator mode retransmitting the programming of a TV broadcast station. However, the identification by Morse Code is not required if the licensee of the low power TV or TV translator station has an agreement with the TV broadcast station being rebroadcast to transmit aurally or visually the low power TV or TV translator station call as provided for in §74.783. Transmission of the call sign can be accomplished by:
(i) Frequency shift keying; the aural and visual carrier shift shall not be less than 5 kHz or greater than 25 kHz.
(ii) Amplitude modulation of the aural carrier of at least 30% modulation. The audio frequency tone used shall not be within 200 hertz of the Emergency Broadcast System Attention Signal alerting frequencies.
(8) Wiring, shielding, and construction shall be in accordance with accepted principles of good engineering practice.
(d) Low power TV, TV translator and transmitting equipment using a modulation process for either program origination or rebroadcasting TV booster transmitting equipment using a modulation process must meet the following requirements:
(1) The equipment shall meet the requirements of paragraphs (a)(1) and (b)(3) of §73.687.
(2) The stability of the equipment shall be sufficient to maintain the operating frequency of the aural carrier to 4.5 MHz±1kHz above the visual carrier when subjected to variations in ambient temperature between 30° and +50° centigrade and variations in power main voltage between 85 and 115 percent of rated power supply voltage.
(e) Certification will be granted only upon a satisfactory showing that the apparatus is capable of meeting the requirements of paragraphs (c) and (d) of this section. The following procedures shall apply:
(1) Any manufacturer of apparatus intended for use at low power TV, TV translator, or TV booster stations may request certification by following the procedures set forth in part 2, subpart J, of this chapter.
(2) Low power TV, TV translator, and TV booster transmitting apparatus that has been certificated by the FCC will normally be authorized without additional measurements from the applicant or licensee.
(3) Applications for certification of modulators to be used with existing certificated TV translator apparatus must include the specifications electrical and mechanical interconnecting requirements for the apparatus with which it is designed to be used.
(4) Other rules concerning certification, including information regarding withdrawal of type acceptance, modification of certificated equipment and limitations on the findings upon which certification is based, are set forth in part 2, subpart J, of this chapter.
(f) The transmitting antenna system may be designed to produce horizontal, vertical, or circular polarization.
(g) Low power TV, TV translator, or TV booster stations installing new certificated transmitting apparatus incorporating modulating equipment need not make equipment performance measurements and shall so indicate on the station license application. Stations adding new or replacing modulating equipment in existing low power TV, TV translator, or TV booster station transmitting apparatus must have a qualified person examine the transmitting system after installation. This person must certify in the application for the station license that the transmitting equipment meets the requirements of paragraph (d)(1) of this section. A report of the methods, measurements, and results must be kept in the station records. However, stations installing modulating equipment solely for the limited local origination of signals permitted by §74.731 need not comply with the requirements of this paragraph.
[28 FR 13722, Dec. 14, 1963, as amended at 33 FR 8677, June 13, 1968; 36 FR 19592, Oct. 8, 1971; 37 FR 25844, Dec. 5, 1972; 41 FR 17552, Apr. 27, 1976; 43 FR 1951, Jan. 13, 1978; 46 FR 35465, July 8, 1981; 47 FR 21500, May 18, 1982; 47 FR 30496, July 14, 1982; 52 FR 31404, Aug. 20, 1987; 60 FR 55483, Nov. 1, 1995; 62 FR 26722, May 14, 1997; 63 FR 36605, July 7, 1998] § 74.751 Modification of transmission systems.
(a) No change, either mechanical or electrical, may be made in apparatus which has been certificated by the Commission without prior authority of the Commission. If such prior authority has been given to the manufacturer of certificated equipment, the manufacturer may issue instructions for such changes citing its authority. In such cases, individual licensees are not required to secure prior Commission approval but shall notify the Commission when such changes are completed.
(b) Formal application (FCC Form 346) is required for any of the following changes:
(1) Replacement of the transmitter as a whole, except replacement with a transmitter of identical power rating which has been certificated by the FCC for use by low power TV, TV translator, and TV booster stations, or any change which could result in a change in the electrical characteristics or performance of the station.
(2) Any change in the transmitting antenna system, including the direction of radiation, directive antenna pattern, antenna gain, transmission line loss characteristics, or height of antenna center of radiation.
(3) Any change in the overall height of the antenna structure, except where notice to the Federal Aviation Administration is specifically not required under §17.14(b) of this chapter.
(4) Any horizontal change of the location of the antenna structure which would (i) be in excess of 152.4 meters (500 feet), or (ii) require notice to the Federal Aviation Administration pursuant to §17.7 of the FCC's Rules.
(5) A change in frequency assignment.
(6) Any changes in the location of the transmitter except within the same building or upon the same pole or tower.
(7) A change of authorized operating power.
(c) Other equipment changes not specifically referred to in paragraphs (a) and (b) of this section may be made at the discretion of the licensee, provided that the FCC in Washington, DC, Attention: Video Division, Media Bureau, is notified in writing upon the completion of such changes.
(d) Upon installation of new or replacement transmitting equipment for which prior FCC authority is not required under the provisions of this section, the licensee must place in the station records a certification that the new installation complies in all respects with the technical requirements of this part and the station authorization.
[28 FR 13722, Dec. 14, 1963, as amended at 38 FR 6827, Mar. 13, 1973; 39 FR 38652, Nov. 1, 1974; 45 FR 26067, Apr. 17, 1980; 47 FR 21501, May 18, 1982; 48 FR 41423, Sept. 15, 1983; 50 FR 23710, June 5, 1985; 52 FR 31405, Aug. 20, 1987; 63 FR 33879, June 22, 1998; 63 FR 36605, July 7, 1998; 67 FR 13233, Mar. 21, 2002] § 74.761 Frequency tolerance.
The licensee of a low power TV, TV translator, or TV booster station shall maintain the transmitter output frequencies as set forth below. The frequency tolerance of stations using direct frequency conversion of a received signal and not engaging in offset carrier operation as set forth in paragraph (d) of this section will be referenced to the authorized plus or minus 10 kHz offset, if any, of the primary station.
(a) The visual carrier shall be maintained to within 0.02 percent of the assigned visual carrier frequency for transmitters rated at not more than 100 watts peak visual power.
(b) The visual carrier shall be maintained to within 0.002 percent of the assigned visual carrier frequency for transmitters rated at more than 100 watts peak visual power.
(c) The aural carrier of stations employing modulating equipment shall be maintained at 4.5 MHz ±1 kHz above the visual carrier frequency.
(d) The visual carrier shall be maintained to within 1 kHz of the assigned channel carrier frequency if the low power TV, TV translator, or TV booster station is authorized with a specified offset designation in order to provide protection under the provisions of §74.705 or §74.707.
[43 FR 1952, Jan. 13, 1978, as amended at 52 FR 31405, Aug. 20, 1987] § 74.762 Frequency measurements.
(a) The licensee of a low power TV station, a TV translator, or a TV booster station must measure the carrier frequencies of its output channel as often as necessary to ensure operation within the specified tolerances, and at least once each calendar year at intervals not exceeding 14 months.
(b) In the event that a low power TV, TV translator, or TV booster station is found to be operating beyond the frequency tolerance prescribed in §74.761, the licensee promptly shall suspend operation of the transmitter and shall not resume operation until transmitter has been restored to its assigned frequencies. Adjustment of the frequency determining circuits of the transmitter shall be made only by a qualified person in accordance with §74.750(g).
[52 FR 31405, Aug. 20, 1987] § 74.763 Time of operation.
(a) A low power TV, TV translator, or TV booster station is not required to adhere to any regular schedule of operation. However, the licensee of a TV translator or TV booster station is expected to provide service to the extent that such is within its control and to avoid unwarranted interruptions in the service provided.
(b) In the event that causes beyond the control of the low power TV or TV translator station licensee make it impossible to continue operating, the licensee may discontinue operation for a period of not more than 30 days without further authority from the FCC. Notification must be sent to the FCC in Washington, DC, Attention: Video Division, Media Bureau, not later than the 10th day of discontinued operation. During such period, the licensee shall continue to adhere to the requirements in the station license pertaining to the lighting of antenna structures. In the event normal operation is restored prior to the expiration of the 30 day period, the FCC in Washington, DC, Attention: Video Division, Media Bureau, shall be notified in writing of the date normal operations resumed. If causes beyond the control of the licensee make it impossible to comply within the allowed period, a request for Special Temporary Authority (see §73.1635 of this chapter) shall be made to the FCC no later than the 30th day for such additional time as may be deemed necessary.
(c) Failure of a low power TV, TV translator, or TV booster station to operate for a period of 30 days or more, except for causes beyond the control of the licensee, shall be deemed evidence of discontinuation of operation and the license of the station may be cancelled at the discretion of the FCC. Furthermore, the station's license will expire as a matter of law, without regard to any causes beyond control of the licensee, if the station fails to transmit broadcast signals for any consecutive 12-month period, notwithstanding any provision, term, or condition of the license to the contrary.
(d) A television broadcast translator station shall not be permitted to radiate during extended periods when signals of the primary station are not being retransmitted.
[28 FR 13722, Dec. 14, 1963, as amended at 52 FR 7423, Mar. 11, 1987; 52 FR 31405, Aug. 20, 1987; 61 FR 28768, June 6, 1996; 63 FR 33879, June 22, 1998; 67 FR 13233, Mar. 21, 2002] § 74.765 Posting of station and operator licenses.
(a) The station license and any other instrument of authorization or individual order concerning the construction of the station or manner of operation shall be kept in the station record file so as to be available for inspection upon request of authorized representatives of the FCC.
(b) The call sign of the station, together with the name, address, and telephone number of the licensee or local representative of the licensee, if the licensee does not reside in the community served by the station, and the name and address of the person and place where the station records are maintained, shall be displayed at the transmitter site on the structure supporting the transmitting antenna, so as to be visible to a person standing on the ground. The display shall be maintained in legible condition by the licensee.
[47 FR 21502, May 18, 1982, as amended at 52 FR 7423, Mar. 11, 1987; 60 FR 55483, Nov. 1, 1995] § 74.769 Copies of rules.
The licensee or permittee of a station authorized under this subpart shall have a current copy of Volume I and Volume III of the Commission's Rules. Each such licensee or permittee shall be familiar with those rules relating to stations authorized under this subpart. Copies of the Commission's rules may be obtained from the Superintendent of Documents, Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402.
[60 FR 55483, Nov. 1, 1995] § 74.780 Broadcast regulations applicable to translators, low power, and booster stations.
The following rules are applicable to TV translator, low power TV, and TV booster stations:
Section 73.653—Operation of TV aural and visual transmitters.
Section 73.658—Affiliation agreements and network program practices; territorial exclusivity in non-network program arrangements.
Part 73, Subpart G—Emergency Broadcast System (for low power TV stations locally originating programming as defined by §74.701(h)).
Section 73.1201—Station identification (for low power TV stations locally originating programming as defined by §74.701(h)).
Section 73.1206—Broadcast of telephone conversations.
Section 73.1207—Rebroadcasts.
Section 73.1208—Broadcast of taped, filmed or recorded material.
Section 73.1211—Broadcast of lottery information.
Section 73.1212—Sponsorship identifications; list retention, related requirements.
Section 73.1216—Licensee conducted contests.
Section 73.1510—Experimental authorizations.
Section 73.1515—Special field test authorizations.
Section 73.1615—Operation during modifications of facilities.
Section 73.1635—Special temporary authorizations (STA).
Section 73.1650—International broadcasting agreements.
Section 73.1680—Emergency antennas.
Section 73.1692—Construction near or installations on an AM broadcast tower.
Section 73.1940—Broadcasts by candidates for public office.
Section 73.2080—Equal employment opportunities (for low power TV stations only).
Section 73.3500—Application and report forms.
Section 73.3511—Applications required.
Section 73.3512—Where to file; number of copies.
Section 73.3513—Signing of applications.
Section 73.3514—Content of applications.
Section 73.3516—Specification of facilities.
Section 73.3517—Contingent applications.
Section 73.3518—Inconsistent or conflicting applications.
Section 73.3519—Repetitious applications.
Section 73.3521—Mutually exclusive applications for low power TV and TV translator stations.
Section 73.3522—Amendment of applications.
Section 73.3525—Agreements for removing application conflicts.
Section 73.3533—Application for construction permit or modification of construction permit.
Section 73.3534—Application for extension of construction permit or for construction permit to replace expired construction permit.
Section 73.3536—Application for license to cover construction permit.
Section 73.3538 (a)(1)(3)(4), (b)(2)—Application to make changes in existing station.
Section 73.3539—Application for renewal of license.
Section 73.3540—Application for voluntary assignment of transfer of control.
Section 73.3541—Application for involuntary assignment or transfer of control.
Section 73.3542—Application for emergency authorization.
Section 73.3544—Application to obtain a modified station license.
Section 73.3545—Application for permit to deliver programs to foreign stations.
Section 73.3550—Requests for new or modified call sign assignments.
Section 73.3561—Staff consideration of applications requiring Commission action.
Section 73.3562—Staff consideration of applications not requiring action by the Commission.
Section 73.3564—Acceptance of applications.
Section 73.3566—Defective applications.
Section 73.3568—Dismissal of applications.
Section 73.3572—Processing of TV broadcast, low power TV, and TV translator station applications.
Section 73.3580—Local public notice of filing of broadcast applications.
Section 73.3584—Petitions to deny.
Section 73.3587—Informal objections.
Section 73.3591—Grants without hearing.
Section 73.3593—Designation for hearing.
Section 73.3594—Local public notice of designation for hearing.
Section 73.3597—Procedures on transfer and assignment applications.
Section 73.3598—Period of construction.
Section 73.3599—Forfeiture of construction permit.
Section 73.3601—Simultaneous modification and renewal of license.
Section 73.3603—Special waiver procedure relative to applications.
Section 73.3612—Annual employment report (for low power TV stations only).
Section 73.3613—Filing of contracts (network affiliation contracts for low power TV stations only).
[52 FR 7423, Mar. 11, 1987, as amended at 52 FR 25867, July 9, 1987; 52 FR 31405, Aug. 20, 1987; 56 FR 28099, June 19, 1991; 59 FR 31557, June 20, 1994; 62 FR 51063, Sept. 30, 1997] § 74.781 Station records.
(a) The licensee of a low power TV, TV translator, or TV booster station shall maintain adequate station records, including the current instrument of authorization, official correspondence with the FCC, contracts, permission for rebroadcasts, and other pertinent documents.
(b) Entries required by §17.49 of this Chapter concerning any observed or otherwise known extinguishment or improper functioning of a tower light:
(1) The nature of such extinguishment or improper functioning.
(2) The date and time the extinguishment or improper operation was observed or otherwise noted.
(3) The date, time and nature of adjustments, repairs or replacements made.
(c) The station records shall be maintained for inspection at a residence, office, or public building, place of business, or other suitable place, in one of the communities of license of the translator or booster, except that the station records of a booster or translator licensed to the licensee of the primary station may be kept at the same place where the primary station records are kept. The name of the person keeping station records, together with the address of the place where the records are kept, shall be posted in accordance with §74.765(c) of the rules. The station records shall be made available upon request to any authorized representative of the Commission.
(d) Station logs and records shall be retained for a period of two years.
[48 FR 44806, Sept. 30, 1983, as amended at 52 FR 31405, Aug. 20, 1987] § 74.783 Station identification.
(a) Each low power TV and TV translator station not originating local programming as defined by §74.701(h) operating over 0.001 kw peak visual power (0.002 kw when using circularly polarized antennas) must transmit its station identification as follows:
(1) By transmitting the call sign in International Morse Code at least once each hour. This transmission may be accomplished by means of an automatic device as required by §74.750(c)(7). Call sign transmission shall be made at a code speed not in excess of 20 words per minute; or
(2) By arranging for the primary station, whose signal is being rebroadcast, to identify the translator station by transmitting an easily readable visual presentation or a clearly understandable aural presentation of the translator station's call letters and location. Two such identifications shall be made between 7 a.m. and 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. each broadcast day at approximately one hour intervals during each time period. Television stations which do not begin their broadcast day before 9 a.m. shall make these identifications in the hours closest to these time periods at the specified intervals.
(b) Licensees of television translators whose station identification is made by the television station whose signals are being rebroadcast by the translator, must secure agreement with this television station licensee to keep in its file, and available to FCC personnel, the translator's call letters and location, giving the name, address and telephone number of the licensee or his service representative to be contacted in the event of malfunction of the translator. It shall be the responsibility of the translator licensee to furnish current information to the television station licensee for this purpose.
(c) A low power TV station shall comply with the station identification procedures given in §73.1201 when locally originating programming, as defined by §74.701(h). The identification procedures given in paragraphs (a) and (b) are to be used at all other times.
(d) Call signs for low power TV and TV translator stations will be made up of the initial letter K or W followed by the channel number assigned to the station and two additional letters. The use of the initial letter generally will follow the pattern used in the broadcast service, i.e., stations west of the Mississippi River will be assigned an initial letter K and those east, the letter W. The two letter combinations following the channel number will be assigned in order and requests for the assignment of the particular combinations of letters will not be considered. The channel number designator for Channels 2 through 9 will be incorporated in the call sign as a 2-digit number, i.e., 02, 03, . . . ., so as to avoid similarities with call signs assigned to amateur radio stations.
(e) Low power TV permittees or licensees may request that they be assigned four-letter call signs in lieu of the five-character alpha-numeric call signs described in paragraph (d) of this section. Parties requesting four-letter call signs are to follow the procedures delineated in §73.3550 of this chapter. Such four-letter call signs shall begin with K or W; stations west of the Mississippi River will be assigned an initial letter K and stations east of the Mississippi River will be assigned an initial letter W. The four-letter call sign will be followed by the suffix “-LP.”
(f) TV broadcast booster station shall be identified by their primary stations by broadcasting of the primary station's call letters and location in accordance with the provisions of §73.1201 of this chapter.
[41 FR 17552, Apr. 27, 1976, as amended at 47 FR 21502, May 18, 1982; 52 FR 7424, Mar. 11, 1987; 52 FR 31405, Aug. 20, 1987; 59 FR 31557, June 20, 1994; 63 FR 71604, Dec. 29, 1998] § 74.784 Rebroadcasts.
(a) The term rebroadcast means the reception by radio of the programs or other signals of a radio or television station and the simultaneous or subsequent retransmission of such programs or signals for direct reception by the general public.
(b) The licensee of a low power TV or TV translator station shall not rebroadcast the programs of any other TV broadcast station or other station authorized under the provisions of this Subpart without obtaining prior consent of the station whose signals or programs are proposed to be retransmitted. The FCC, Attention: Video Division, Media Bureau, shall be notified of the call letters of each station rebroadcast, and the licensee of the low power TV or TV broadcast translator station shall certify it has obtained written consent from the licensee of the station whose programs are being retransmitted.
(c) A TV translator station may rebroadcast only programs and signals that are simultaneously transmitted by a TV broadcast station.
(d) A TV booster station may rebroadcast only programs and signals that are simultaneously transmitted by the primary station to which it is authorized.
(e) The provisions of §73.1207 of part 73 of this chapter apply to low power TV stations in transmitting any material during periods of program origination obtained from the transmissions of any other type of station.
(Sec. 325, 48 Stat. 1091; 47 U.S.C. 325)
[28 FR 13722, Dec. 14, 1963, as amended at 47 FR 21502, May 18, 1982; 52 FR 31405, Aug. 20, 1987; 63 FR 33879, June 22, 1998; 67 FR 13234, Mar. 21, 2002] § 74.785 Low power TV digital data service pilot project.
Low power TV stations authorized pursuant to the LPTV Digital Data Services Act (Public Law 106–554, 114 Stat. 4577, December 1, 2000) to participate in a digital data service pilot project shall be subject to the provisions of the Commission Order implementing that Act. FCC 01–137, adopted April 19, 2001, as modified by the Commission Order on Reconsideration, FCC 02–40, adopted February 12, 2002.
[67 FR 9621, Mar. 4, 2002] § 74.786 Digital channel assignments.
(a) An applicant for a new low power television or television translator digital station or for changes in the facilities of an authorized digital station shall endeavor to select a channel on which its operation is not likely to cause interference. The applications must be specific with regard to the channel requested. Only one channel will be assigned each station.
(b) Any one of the 12 standard VHF Channels (2 to 13 inclusive) may be assigned to a VHF digital low power television or television translator station. Channels 5 and 6 assigned in Alaska shall not cause harmful interference to and must accept interference from non-Government fixed operation authorized prior to January 1, 1982.
(c) UHF channels 14 to 36 and 38 to 51 may be assigned to a UHF digital low power television or television translator station. In accordance with §73.603(c) of this chapter, Channel 37 will not be assigned to such stations.
(d) UHF Channels 52–59 may be assigned to a digital low power television or television translator station for use as a digital conversion channel. These channels may also be assigned as a companion digital channel if the applicant is able to demonstrate that a suitable in core channel is not available. Stations proposing use of such channels shall notify all potentially affected 700 MHz wireless licensees not later than 30 days prior to the submission of their application (FCC Form 346). Applicants shall notify wireless licensees of the 700 MHz spectrum comprising the same TV channel and the adjacent channel within whose licensed geographic boundaries the digital LPTV or translator station is proposed to be located, and also notify licensees of co-channel and adjacent channel spectrum whose service boundaries lie within 75 miles and 50 miles, respectively, of their proposed station location. Specific information for this purpose can be obtained from the Commission's auction Web site at http://www.fcc.gov/auctions.
(e) UHF Channels 60–69 may be assigned to a digital low power television or television translator station for use as a digital conversion channel only. Stations proposing use of such channels shall notify all potentially affect 700 MHz commercial licensees not later than 30 days prior to the submission of their application (FCC Form 346) in the manner provided in paragraph of this section. Stations proposing use of channels 63, 64, 68 and 69 must secure a coordinated spectrum use agreement with the pertinent 700 MHz public safety regional planning committee and state administrator prior to the submission of their application (FCC Form 346). Coordination shall be undertaken with regional planning committee and state administrator of the region and state within which the digital LPTV or translator station is proposed to be located, and those of adjoining regions and states with boundaries within 75 miles of the proposed station location. Stations proposing use of channels 62, 65, and 67 must notify the pertinent regional planning committee and state administrator not later than 30 days prior to the submission of their application (FCC Form 346). Notification shall be made to the regional and state administrators of region and state within which the digital LPTV or translator station is proposed to be located, and those of adjoining regions and states with boundaries within 50 miles of the proposed station location. Information for this purpose is available at the above web site and also at the following internet sites: http://wireless.fcc.gov/publicsafety700MHzregional.html, http://wireless.fcc.gov/publicsafety/700MHz/state.html, and http://wireless.fcc.gov/publicsafety/700MHz/interop-contacts.html.
(f) Application for new analog low power television or television translator stations specifying operation above Channel 51 will not be accepted for filing. Applications for displacement relief on channels above 51 will continue to be accepted.
[69 FR 69332, Nov. 29, 2004] § 74.787 Digital licensing.
(a) Applications for digital low power television and television translator stations—(1) Applications for digital conversion. Applications for digital conversion channels may be filed at any time. Such applications shall be filed on FCC Form 346 and will be treated as a minor change application. There will be no application fee.
(2) Applications for companion digital channel. (i) A public notice will specify a time period or “window” for filing applications for companion digital channels. During this window, only existing low power television or television translator stations or licensees and permittees of Class A TV stations may submit applications for companion digital channels. Applications submitted prior to the initial window identified in the public notice will be returned as premature. At a subsequent time, a public notice will announcement the commencement of a filing procedure in which applications will accepted on a first-come, first-served basis not restricted to existing station licensees and permittees;
(ii) Applications for companion digital channels filed during the initial window shall be filed in accordance with the provisions of §§1.2105 and 73.5002 of this chapter regarding the submission of the short-form application, FCC Form 175, and all appropriate certifications, information and exhibits contained therein. To determine which applicants are mutually exclusive, applicants must submit the engineering data contained in FCC Form 346 as a supplement to its short-form application. Such engineering data will not be studied for technical acceptability, but will be protected from subsequently filed applications as of the close of the initial window period. Determinations as to the acceptability or grantability of an applicant's proposal will not be made prior to an auction;
(iii) After the close of the initial window, a public notice will identify the short-form applications received during the window filing period which are found to be mutually exclusive. Such short-form applications will be resolved via the Commission's Part 1 and broadcast competitive bidding rules, §§1.2100 et seq., and §§73.5000 et seq. of this chapter. Such applicants shall be afforded an opportunity to submit settlements and engineering solutions to resolve mutual exclusivity pursuant to §73.5002(d) of this chapter;
(iv) After the close of the window, a public notice will identify short-form applications received that are found to be non-mutually exclusive. All non-mutually exclusive applicants will be required to submit an FCC Form 346 pursuant to §73.5005 of this chapter. Such applications shall be processed pursuant to §73.5006 of this chapter; and
(v) With regard to fees, an application (FCC Form 346) for companion digital channels shall be treated as a minor change application and there will be no application fee.
(3) Construction permit applications for new stations, major changes to existing stations in the low power television service. A public notice will specify the date upon which interested parties may begin to file applications for new stations and major facilities changes to existing stations in the low power television service. It will specify parameters for any applications that may be filed. Applications submitted prior to date announced by the public notice will be returned as premature. Such applications shall be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis, and shall be filed on FCC Form 346. Applications for new or major change shall be subject to the appropriate application fee. Mutually exclusive applications shall be resolved via the Commission's part 1 and broadcast competitive bidding rules, §1.2100 et seq., and §73.5000 et seq. of this chapter. Such applicants shall be afforded an opportunity to submit settlements and engineering solutions to resolve mutual exclusivity pursuant to §73.5002(d) of this chapter.
(4) Displacement applications. A digital low power television or television translator station which is causing or receiving interference or is predicted to cause or receive interference to or from an authorized TV broadcast station, DTV station or allotment or other protected station or service, may at any time file a displacement relief application for change in channel, together with technical modifications that are necessary to avoid interference or continue serving the station's protected service area, provided the proposed transmitter site is not located more than 30 miles from the reference coordinates of the existing station's community of license. See §76.53 of this chapter. A displacement relief application shall be filed on FCC Form 346 and will be considered a minor change and will be placed on public notice for a period of not less than 30 days to permit the filing of petitions to deny. These applications will not be subject to the filing of competing applications. Where a displacement relief application for a digital low power television or television translator station becomes mutually exclusive the application(s) for new analog or digital low power television or television translator stations, with a displacement relief application for an analog low power television or television translator station, or with other non-displacement relief applications for facilities modifications of analog or digital low power television or television translator stations, priority will be afforded to the displacement application for the digital low power television or television translator station to the exclusion of other applications. Mutually exclusive displacement relief applications for digital low power television and television translator stations shall be resolved via the Commission's part 1 and broadcast competitive bidding rules, §1.2100 et seq., and §73.5000 et seq. of this chapter. Such applicants shall be afforded an opportunity to submit settlements and engineering solutions to resolve mutual exclusivity pursuant to §73.5002(d) of this chapter.
(b) Definitions of “major” and “minor” changes to digital low power television and television translator stations. (1) Applications for major changes in digital low power television and television translator stations include any change in the frequency (output channel) not related to displacement relief or transmitting antenna location where the protected contour resulting from the change does not overlap some portion of the protected contour of the authorized facilities of the existing station.
(2) Other facilities changes will be considered minor.
[69 FR 69333, Nov. 29, 2004] § 74.788 Digital construction period.
(a) Each original construction permit for the construction of a new digital low power television or television translator station shall specify a period of three years from the date of issuance of the original construction permit within which construction shall be completed and application for license filed.
(b) Any construction permit for which construction has not been completed and for which an application for license or extension of time has not been filed, shall be automatically forfeited upon expiration without any further affirmative cancellation by the Commission.
(c) Authority delegated. (1) Authority is delegated to the Chief, Media Bureau to grant an extension of time of up to six months beyond the relevant construction period for each original construction permit upon demonstration by the digital licensee or permittee that failure to meet the construction deadline is due to circumstances that are either unforeseeable or beyond the licensee's control where the licensee has take all reasonable steps to resolve the problem expeditiously.
(2) Such circumstances shall include, but shall not be limited to:
(i) Inability to construct and place in operation a facility necessary for transmitting digital television, such as a tower, because of delays in obtaining zoning or FAA approvals, or similar constraints;
(ii) The lack of equipment necessary to obtain a digital television signal; or
(iii) Where the cost of construction exceeds the station's financial resources.
(3) The Bureau may grant no more than two extension requests upon delegated authority. Subsequent extension requests shall be referred to the Commission. The Bureau may deny extension requests upon delegated authority.
(4) Applications for extension of time shall be filed no earlier than 90 and no later than 60 days prior to the relevant construction deadline, absent a showing of sufficient reasons for filing within less than 60 days of the relevant construction deadline.
[69 FR 69334, Nov. 29, 2004] § 74.789 Broadcast regulations applicable to digital low power television and television translator stations.
The following sections are applicable to digital low power television and television translator stations:
§73.1030 Notifications concerning interference to radio astronomy, research and receiving installations.
§74.600 Eligibility for license.
§74.703 Interference.
§74.709 Land mobile station protection.
§74.732 Eligibility and licensing requirements.
§74.734 Attended and unattended operation.
§74.735 Power limitations.
§74.751 Modification of transmission systems.
§74.763 Time of operation.
§74.765 Posting of station and operator licenses.
§74.769 Copies of rules.
§74.780 Broadcast regulations applicable to translators, low power, and booster stations (except §73.653—Operation of TV aural and visual transmitters and §73.1201—Station identification).
§74.781 Station records.
§74.784 Rebroadcasts.
[69 FR 69334, Nov. 29, 2004] § 74.790 Permissible service of digital TV translator and LPTV stations.
(a) Digital TV translator stations provide a means whereby the signals of DTV broadcast stations may be retransmitted to areas in which direct reception of such DTV stations is unsatisfactory due to distance or intervening terrain barriers.
(b) Except as provided in paragraph (f) of this section, a digital TV translator station may be used only to receive the signals of a TV broadcast or DTV broadcast station, another digital TV translator station, a TV translator relay station, a television intercity relay station, a television STL station, or other suitable sources such as a CARS or common carrier microwave station, for the simultaneous retransmission of the programs and signals of a TV or DTV broadcast station. Such retransmissions may be accomplished by any of the following means:
(1) Reception of TV broadcast or DTV broadcast station programs and signals directly through space and conversion to a different channel by one of the following transmission modes:
(i) Heterodyne frequency conversion and suitable amplification, subject to a digital output power limit of 30 watts for transmitters operating on channels 14–69 and 3 watts for transmitters operating on channels 2–13; or
(ii) Digital signal regeneration (i.e., DTV signal demodulation, decoding, error processing, encoding, remodulation, and frequency upconversion) and suitable amplification; or,
(2) Demodulation, remodulation and amplification of TV broadcast or DTV broadcast station programs and signals received through a microwave transport.
(c) The transmissions of each digital TV translator station shall be intended for direct reception by the general public, and any other use shall be incidental thereto. A digital TV translator station shall not be operated solely for the purpose of relaying signals to one or more fixed receiving points for retransmission, distribution, or further relaying.
(d) Except as provided in (e) and (f) of this section, the technical characteristics of the retransmitted signals shall not be deliberately altered so as to hinder reception on consumer DTV broadcast receiving equipment.
(e) A digital TV translator station shall not retransmit the programs and signals of any TV broadcast or DTV broadcast station(s) without the prior written consent of such station(s). A digital TV translator may multiplex on its output channel the video program services of two or more TV broadcast and/or DTV broadcast stations, pursuant to arrangements with all affected stations, and for this limited purpose, is permitted to alter a TV broadcast and/or DTV broadcast signal.
(f) A digital TV translator station may transmit locally originated visual and/or aural messages limited to emergency warnings of imminent danger, to local public service announcements (PSAs) and to seeking or acknowledging financial support deemed necessary to the continued operation of the station. Acknowledgments of financial support may include identification of the contributors, the size and nature of the contribution and the advertising messages of the contributors. The originations concerning financial support and PSAs are limited to 30 seconds each, no more than once per hour. Emergency transmissions shall be no longer or more frequent than necessary to protect life and property. Such originations may be accomplished by any technical means agreed upon between the TV translator and DTV station whose signal is being retransmitted, but must be capable of being received on consumer DTV broadcast reception equipment. A digital TV translator shall modify, as necessary to avoid DTV reception tuning conflicts, the Program System and Information Protocol (PSIP) information in the DTV broadcast signal being retransmitted.
(g) A digital LPTV station may operate under the following modes of service:
(1) For the retransmission of programming of a TV broadcast or DTV broadcast station, subject to the prior written consent of the station whose signal is being retransmitted;
(2) For the origination of programming and commercial matter as defined in §74.701(l).
(3) Whenever operating, a digital LPTV station must transmit an over-the-air video program signal at no direct charge to viewers at least comparable in resolution to that of its associated analog (NTSC) LPTV station or, in the case of an on-channel digital conversion, that of its former analog LPTV station.
(4) A digital LPTV station may dynamically alter the bit stream of its signal to transmit one or more video program services in any established DTV video format.
(h) A digital LPTV station is not subject to minimum required hours of operation and may operate in either of the two modes described in paragraph (g) of this section for any number of hours.
(i) Upon transmitting a signal that meets the requirements of paragraph (g)(3) of this section, a digital LPTV station may offer services of any nature, consistent with the public interest, convenience, and necessity, on an ancillary or supplementary basis in accordance with the provisions of §73.624(c) and (g) of this chapter.
(j) A digital LPTV station may not be operated solely for the purpose of relaying signals to one or more fixed receiving points for retransmission, distribution or relaying.
(k) A digital LPTV station may receive input signals for transmission or retransmission by any technical means, including those specified in paragraph (b) of this section.
[69 FR 69334, Nov. 29, 2004] § 74.791 Digital call signs.
(a) Digital low power stations. Call signs for digital low power stations will be made up of a prefix consisting of the initial letter K or W followed by the channel number assigned to the station and two additional letters and a suffix consisting of the letters −D.
(b) Digital television translator stations. Call signs for digital television translator stations will be made up of a prefix consisting of the initial letter K or W followed by the channel number assigned to the station and two additional letters and a suffix consisting of the letter −D.
(c) Digital low power television stations and Class A television stations. Digital low power television and Class A television stations may be assigned a call sign with a four-letter prefix pursuant to §73.3550 of the Commission's rules. Digital low power stations with four-letter prefixes will be assigned the suffix −LD and digital Class A stations with four-letter prefixes will be assigned the suffix −CD.
[69 FR 69335, Nov. 29, 2004] § 74.792 Digital low power TV and TV translator station protected contour.
(a) A digital low power TV or TV translator will be protected from interference from other low power TV, TV translator, Class A TV or TV booster stations or digital low power TV, TV translator or Class A TV stations within the following predicted contours:
(1) 43 dBu for stations on Channels 2 through 6;
(2) 48 dBu for stations on Channels 7 through 13; and
(3) 51 dBu for stations on Channels 14 through 69.
(b) The digital low power TV or TV translator protected contour is calculated from the authorized effective radiated power and antenna height above average terrain, using the F(50,90) signal propagation method specified in §73.625(b)(1) of this chapter.
[69 FR 69335, Nov. 29, 2004] § 74.793 Digital low power TV and TV translator station protection of broadcast stations.
(a) An application to construct a new digital low power TV or TV translator station or change the facilities of an existing station will not be accepted if it fails to meet the interference protection requirements in this section.
(b) Except as provided in this section, interference prediction analysis is based on the interference thresholds (D/U signal strength ratios) and other criteria and methods specified in §73.623(c)(2) through (c)(4) of this chapter. Predictions of interference to co-channel DTV broadcast, digital Class A TV, digital LPTV and digital TV translator stations will be based on the interference thresholds specified therein for “DTV-into-DTV.” Predictions of interference to co-channel TV broadcast, Class A TV, LPTV and TV translator stations will be based on the interference threshold specified for “DTV-into-analog TV.” Predictions of interference to TV broadcast, Class A TV, LPTV and TV translator stations with the following channel relationships to a digital channel will be based on the threshold values specified for “Other Adjacent Channels (Channels 14–69 only),” where N is the analog channel: N–2, N+2, N–3, N+3, N–4, N+4, N–7 , N+7, N–8, N+8, N+14, and N+15.
(c) The following D/U signal strength ratios (dB) shall apply to the protection of stations on the first adjacent channel. The D/U ratios for “Digital TV-into-analog TV” shall apply to the protection of TV broadcast, Class A TV, LPTV and TV translator stations. The D/U ratios for “Digital TV-into-digital TV” shall apply to the protection of DTV, digital Class A TV, digital LPTV and digital TV translator stations. The D/U ratios correspond to the digital LPTV or TV translator station's specified out-of-channel emission mask.
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