Vendors see the end of a long RF repack process ahead with FCC deadlines being met, sometimes assisted by Special Temporary Authorities and interim transmission facilities. RF vendors are now looking to other revenue opportunities as the repack slows down. (Dielectric photo)
Spectrum Co. and Pearl TV are expected to jointly announce ATSC 3.0 launches involving some 150 stations in 30 markets during next week’s gathering in Las Vegas. Their goal is to build a national footprint that will let broadcasters better compete with wireless companies and OTT providers while spurring the development of 3.0-ready TV sets and other consumer devices.
RF Vendors Rolling Ahead With The Repack
Manufacturers of transmitters, antennas, transmission line, filters and other RF components are already busy with repack orders but say the additional funding included in the government’s recent spending bill should greatly ease the process, particularly for mid-to-small-market stations that have been slow to invest due to fears about compensation. Above, a Dielectric APT panel antenna. Click here to access TVNewsCheck’s NAB 2018 Resource Guide listing transmitters, antennas and other RF gear or here to download it as a PDF.
This year, TVNewsCheck is augmenting its coverage of NAB Show Hot Topics tech trends stories with information that can make your visit to NAB easier. This week’s focus is the post incentive […]
FCC Auction Taking Toll On TV RF Vendors
As a result of the uncertainity over the FCC’s plans to auction and repack the TV spectrum, stations are putting off investments in transmission gear. The latest victim is Electronics Research Inc., which just laid off 22 employees.
Exclusives
Figuring Out Life After Dielectric
The TV antenna manufacturer’s many clients are wondering who will service their existing RF systems and who will emerge to sell them new ones. Demand could shoot up greatly if the FCC OKs band repacking following a spectrum auction. Possible solutions could be current U.S. competitors to Dielectric as well as a number of foreign firms.
