FreeLists / opendtv / [opendtv] FCC order on HD Radio

["Manfredi, Albert E" <albert.e.manfredi@xxxxxxxxxx>]

http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-07-33A1.pdf

The choice of the Ibiquity IBOC design is reconfirmed. Still no
intention to establish a schedule for cessation of analog AM/FM
broadcasts. The FCC calls this DAB, which is very confusing, since HD
Radio is not compatible with the Euro DAB scheme.

"... we recognized that there is no analogous congressional mandate for
the termination of analog radio broadcasting." ... "We will not
establish a deadline for radio stations to convert to digital
broadcasting. Stations may decide if, and when, they will provide
digital service to the public."

Which means, priority continues to go to the analog signal.

They continue to require that the analog channel be provided on one
digital stream. Which is good news, because I don't think any HD radios
out there allow the user to deliberately stick with the analog signal.
(I suppose you could do so by attenuating the signal received by the
radio.)

AM nighttime operations are now authorized! This goes somewhat counter
to their indicating that the analog signal gets priority:

"Nevertheless, as enunciated in more detail below, we take significant
steps to facilitate the digital radio conversion by adopting rules and
policies that encourage radio stations to invest in digital equipment
and programming. For example, we permit radio stations to provide
various types of digital service as long as one free over-the-air
digital stream of equal or greater quality than the station's existing
analog signal is available for listeners. We also establish technical
rules, such as permitting AM nighttime service, intended to reinvigorate
the AM band." ... "On balance, we find that the benefits of full-time
IBOC operation by AM stations outweigh the slightly increased risk of
interference. ... Therefore, we will extend the permissible hours of
IBOC interim operation for AM stations to include all hours during which
a given station is currently authorized for analog operation, ..."

All-digital operation is not being considered yet, although it's already
in the standard.

Stations can rent out available digital capacity to other audio
programmers. Just like DTT.

They now permit low-power FM stations to go to hybrid mode.

Stations can opt to use separate analog and digital antennas now. Also
translators and "boosters" (i.e. OCRS) are allowed.

Canada objects to IBOC AM mode, because each station suddenly takes up
as much spectrum as three.

Bert
 
 
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