Ultra Low Power Digital Subs - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

GentlemanJim · 07-04-2021, 06:24 PM

Anybody know if there is some form of "grand strategy" going on with ultra low power over the air digital sub-channels?

I bought one of those "get free HD over the air" indoor antennas about a year ago, mostly to get METV which our local cable operator will not add to their offerings. And have had better than satisfactory results.

I've always been disappointed that none of our local stations offer subs for Decades and Comet.

About a month ago I rescanned my channels, and found new channels for Comet, THIS TV, NBC LX, and a few shopping channels, all in the 2.2-2.8 channel range.

But what is odd about them, they are listed as "WLMO" which historically been assigned to Lima Ohio....well beyond our reception range.

I researched the channels on rabbitears.info, and found they are listed as owned by the same guy in Lima Ohio who was the historic owner of WLMO in Lima. But with the transmitter address listed being in the same neighborhood as all of our local over the air stations.

Even more odd, the broadcast power is listed as only 3 kw. (compare that to 250 kw for our local network affiliates). I receive these low power broadcasts just fine, as I live within a mile of the transmitter location.

But, I can't imagine anyone even just on the other side of town being able to receive a signal that weak.

So, I'm curious why anyone would go to all the trouble to set up a station with so limited an audience?

Possibly they are going through a "break-in" period? And have not yet been permitted to broadcast at typical power?

Or, perhaps they are just performing a rudimentary service, necessary to keep an existing license open, so that they don't have to re-apply at a later date if they decide to return to being a full blown station?

I understand that this coming July 13 or 14 is a cut-off date for the low power ANALOG "pirate" stations that are located throughout the country, but that should have no bearing on this digital sub channel.

Just curious if anyone has a mastery of these type goings on?

GentlemanJim · 07-04-2021, 08:10 PM

For reference, here is a little background on the upcoming cut off of low power analog TV.

Strange that any of these are still around to begin with.

https://www.commlawblog.com/2020/07/...year-from-now/

07-04-2021, 06:24 PM	#1
GentlemanJim Concerns, Support, & Feedback Forum Veteran Join Date: Dec 26, 2019 Location: The back country Posts: 5,443	Ultra Low Power Digital Subs Anybody know if there is some form of "grand strategy" going on with ultra low power over the air digital sub-channels? I bought one of those "get free HD over the air" indoor antennas about a year ago, mostly to get METV which our local cable operator will not add to their offerings. And have had better than satisfactory results. I've always been disappointed that none of our local stations offer subs for Decades and Comet. About a month ago I rescanned my channels, and found new channels for Comet, THIS TV, NBC LX, and a few shopping channels, all in the 2.2-2.8 channel range. But what is odd about them, they are listed as "WLMO" which historically been assigned to Lima Ohio....well beyond our reception range. I researched the channels on rabbitears.info, and found they are listed as owned by the same guy in Lima Ohio who was the historic owner of WLMO in Lima. But with the transmitter address listed being in the same neighborhood as all of our local over the air stations. Even more odd, the broadcast power is listed as only 3 kw. (compare that to 250 kw for our local network affiliates). I receive these low power broadcasts just fine, as I live within a mile of the transmitter location. But, I can't imagine anyone even just on the other side of town being able to receive a signal that weak. So, I'm curious why anyone would go to all the trouble to set up a station with so limited an audience? Possibly they are going through a "break-in" period? And have not yet been permitted to broadcast at typical power? Or, perhaps they are just performing a rudimentary service, necessary to keep an existing license open, so that they don't have to re-apply at a later date if they decide to return to being a full blown station? I understand that this coming July 13 or 14 is a cut-off date for the low power ANALOG "pirate" stations that are located throughout the country, but that should have no bearing on this digital sub channel. Just curious if anyone has a mastery of these type goings on?
	__________________ On my word as a gentleman!

07-04-2021, 08:10 PM	#2
GentlemanJim Concerns, Support, & Feedback Forum Veteran Join Date: Dec 26, 2019 Location: The back country Posts: 5,443	For reference, here is a little background on the upcoming cut off of low power analog TV. Strange that any of these are still around to begin with. https://www.commlawblog.com/2020/07/...year-from-now/