Conformity Magazine - December 2007 - (Page 17) Some of the digital TV stations currently in operation on channels 2-5 (54 - 82 Mhz) include: WBBM-TV, Chicago, Il; WKYC-TV, Cleveland-Akron (Canton), OH; WHMT, Grand Rapids-Kalamazoo-Battlecreek, MI; WHP-TV, Harrisburg, Lancaster, Lebanon-York, PA; KVBC, Las Vegas, NV; WDKY-TV, Lexington, KY; WBRA-TV RoanokeLynchburg, VA; WTWC, Tallahassee, FL-Thomasville, GA; WMAZ-TV, Macon, GA; KOTA-TV, Rapid City, SD; and KTVM, Butte-Bozeman, MT. The NAB does not oppose BPL as a technology per se. However, it says there is insufficient technical data upon which the broadcast industry and the Commission can fully and properly evaluate BPL’s potential to interfere with freeover-the-air broadcast television stations operating on the low VHF frequencies, including DTV signals. According to the NAB, “the low VHF TV band is already heavily polluted with man-made impulse type background interference, attributed in part to leaky power lines. BPL systems radiating RF energy in the television broadcast bands are likely to lead to a further increase of the noise floor, and may result in significant analog television picture disruption and total degradation of DTV signals.” What’s the Future of BPL? The answer to this question depends on whom you talk to. For example, officials at Connecticut Light & Power say that, with wireless technology taking off in the United States, there isn’t likely to be much of a demand for Internet access through the local utility wire network. BPL may be more prevalent in other countries, they say, but that could be a reflection of the American marketplace rather than foreign sophistication. On the other hand, DirecTV say that its subscribers will soon have access to Current’s BPL network. Access will be initially available in the Dallas/Fort Worth area, but will eventually cover approximately 1.8 million homes and businesses over the next several years. Further, DirecTV says that its agreement with Current will allow BPL expansion as Current builds out its network. But unlike cable or WiFi systems, BPL providers have to rely on the power grid of electrical companies. In the end, it’s the electrical companies that may decide whether BPL expansion continues, or has its plug pulled. Bob Josuweit is a freelance writer who reports on public service and emergency communications. He can be reached at bjosuweit@verizon.net. 2140.ACS Ad6.875x4.875 9/6/07 2:48 PM Page 1 FAST Link www.conformity.com/1230 from a leading compliance test lab? It’s not just a fairy tale anymore. Sure, Advanced Compliance Solutions has state-of-the-art facilities, and is accredited by both UL and TUVRheinland for unwitnessed testing. Not to mention that our experience is trusted by some of the world’s largest manufacturers. But more importantly, we truly care about your success. Great service 877.216.0192 | www.acstestlab.com Administrative & Engineering I.T.E. and Professional Audio/Video Lab Code 200612-0 Wireless Certifications | EMC Testing | Product Safety Testing | Environmental Testing | Global Regulatory Compliance December 2007 conformity 17 http://www.conformity.com/1230 http://www.acstestlab.com http://www.acstestlab.com
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