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FCC votes in favor of rethinking spectrum holding rules, goading broadcasters into wireless selloffs
FCC meetings can be momentous occasions under the right circumstances, although it's seldom the case that we see the agency pass two potentially far-reaching measures in one sitting, like we just saw on Friday. To start, regulators have voted in favor of a proposal that will review spectrum sale rules and might drop the case-by-case determinations in favor of a more consistent screening mechanism. The reexamination will also consider a change to the ownership rules surrounding wireless frequencies that treats bands below 1GHz differently than those above -- the better to address a chorus of smaller carriers that don't like all the prime spectrum going to the companies with the most existing clout, namely AT&T and Verizon. FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski argues that reform could spur innovation through more competition, although dissenting Commissioner Robert McDowell is worried that consistent rules will somehow create "uncertainty." Side-by-side with the review, the FCC is proposing an incentive-based reverse auction strategy to have TV broadcasters voluntarily give up their spectrum for cellular and data use. The multi-phase approach would have TV providers set the price at which they're willing to sell their spectrum to the FCC; those that just can't bear to part with their airwaves would be corralled into a tighter band range to make for larger available frequency blocks in the auction that follows. As with other FCC proposals, there's likely to be a long interval between the auction vote, the review and any definitive rulemaking, let alone an impact -- auctions by themselves can take years to play out. Still, any success with the measures could head off spectrum crunches while simultaneously preventing any solutions from consolidating too much power and creating their own problems. [Tower photo via Shutterstock]
FCC to vote September 28th on proposal auctioning UHF spectrum, Weird Al might still approve
The FCC has been more than a little eager to repurpose spectrum as wireless internet access takes off: white spaces and iDEN frequencies have already switched roles, and that's not including the myriad of spectrum swaps. Add one more wireless variety to the list, as FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski has confirmed his agency will vote on a proposal for incentive-based auctions of UHF spectrum. When the Commission meets next on September 28th, it will decide on whether or not to lure broadcasters into giving up the usually TV-focused space for the sake of data lovers everywhere. The freed-up airwaves in the proposal would mostly be unlicensed spectrum with "WiFi-like uses," but at a much lower frequency than the 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands that WiFi needs today: as the first consistent, unlicensed spectrum at that range in the US, it could create opportunities for longer-ranged, free wireless that aren't even on the table in 2012. Not that we have much of a choice in taking action today. Any accepted rules won't be completely finalized until mid-2013, and the auction itself won't take place until 2014. Still, the UHF plans foster dreams of more wireless for everyone -- and we suspect that even one Mr. Yankovic wouldn't mind giving up Channel 62 for a long-distance home network.
NHK makes first successful Super Hi-Vision OTA broadcast, man cave owners giggle with glee
Fresh off from successfully shrinking its Super Hi-Vision camera, Japan's NHK is sticking another feather in its cap -- the first over-the-air broadcast of its super-duper high-resolution technology. The broadcaster says it recently managed to send a compressed Super Hi-Vision signal from the roof of its Science and Technology Research Laboratories in Tokyo to a distance about 4.2 kilometers away with no issues. NHK used two UHF channels during the experiment. To optimize and boost transmission capacity, NHK leveraged technologies such as orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM) and multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO). Low-density parity check coding was also used for error correction. NHK has been constantly experimenting with its Super Hi-Vision high-resolution (7,680 x 4,320) video format, including a UK-to-Japan broadcast via a 24Gb/s internet connection in 2010. Folks who happen to be in Japan from May 24th to 27th can check the tech at the NHK labs' open house in Tokyo's Setagaya ward.
Unicat retro TV channels the 1940s, bidding now underway
How does technology a half-century old manage to be this sexy? We're not certain. But this one-of-a-kind, handmade retro television -- which seemingly combines an old desktop lamp and a giant magnifying glass -- definitely tugs at our heartstrings. With a 5.5-inch monochrome CRT screen and no inputs to speak of, you won't be watching Blu-rays on this set, and its PAL standard and 220V plug mean non-Europeans might not be bothered to try. Still, for an old over-the-air TV, it's remarkably full-featured, with knobs for volume, band (VHF-L / VHF-H / UHF), brightness, contrast and V-sync, and we can't get over its clean, handsome design. If your Nixie tube collection is getting lonely, check out the auction at our source link; bidding starts at €300.%Gallery-90244% [Thanks, Alex]
Nielsen reports the effects of the digital transition
This is a really interesting report of the affects of the digital transition on ratings. Like the fact that "TV stations that transitioned to digital only experienced an 8 percent share decline immediately following the analog shut-off." But even more interesting is this that same number goes up to 13 percent if the broadcaster switched from UHF to VHF because of reception problems -- no wonder some broadcasters are going back to UHF. The other thing that piqued our interest was that cable companies seemed to be the real winners here as 18.2 percent of those facing the decision to buy a converter box, just ordered cable instead -- little do they know that they are just putting off getting a box. [Via TVB]
Microsoft still hot for white space, describes WhiteFi wireless tech
The white space odyssey continues, with manufacturers of all backgrounds and sizes salivating so heavily over the bountiful frequencies opened up by the DTV transition that they're willing to fight the NAB in a corporate cage match of epic proportions. Microsoft, part of the White Spaces Coalition and a company that's not always had success at this whole frequency-sharing thing, isn't giving up yet, presenting a paper this week at ACM SIGCOMM 2009 describing yet more new approaches and algorithms that would allow white space communication that functions like traditional WiFi devices -- but with ranges measured in miles instead of feet. Dubbed WhiteFi, the tech would include algorithms to enable both access points and clients to zero in on the same locally disused frequencies without stepping on the toes of other broadcasters. It certainly sounds like a consumer-friendly implementation, and something we'd very much like to deploy at the 442 acre Engadget compound in northwestern Montana (it's three counties away from the nearest hotspot), but we're not entirely convinced this latest approach will find any more success at appeasing/defeating the NAB than any of the prior attempts. [Warning: PDF read link][Via dailywireless.org]
A few broadcasters are moving back to UHF
Warranted or not, there has always been a stigma against UHF stations -- greatest Weird Al Yankovic movie ever -- so maybe that had something to do with many broadcasters electing to move back to their original frequency assignment after the digital transition. Whatever the reason, some broadcasters quickly realized the advantages of UHF over VHF when it comes to ATSC and have petitioned the FCC to move back. This is good news for everyone having problems pulling in those signals, but it really makes us wonder why the FCC didn't just standardize on UHF when it had the chance. At any rate, the moral of the story is that if you're having problems receiving your favorite VHF stations after the transition, don't hesitate to be vocal about it; because who knows, maybe they'll actually listen and move to UHF as well. The cool part is that moving frequencies is a pretty painless process thanks to virtual channel numbers -- unless of course you're using Windows Media Center.
HD 101: What is ATSC, PSIP, QAM, and 8-VSB?
Once you buy an HDTV it doesn't take long before you get confused by all the acronyms. We love us some HD, but the days of simply bringing a new set home and plugging into a coax cable are long over -- at least for most. It is pretty obvious by the latest surveys that most people don't understand exactly what it takes to enjoy HD on their HDTV, but even if you do, you may not understand what most of it means. Now while this isn't the typical make sure you have your HDTV configured to watch HD post, it will help you understand the different ways HD is delivered.
DTV switch rough going for some
Predictably, some folks aren't getting the same reception they used to now that analog broadcasts have (partially) shut off. An AP report featured in USA Today cited stats showing half of the 25,000 calls to the FCC on February 18 were because of reception or antenna issues. As we've known, the effect of the digital cliff and obstructions can make continuing to receive OTA channels a dicey affair depending on where you live. Some have given in and subscribed to cable or satellite, while others are still experimenting with antenna placement, waiting for higher power broadcasts or tower moves, and some have just learned to live without it. Any DTV tales of woe and/or triumph now that we're a couple of weeks past the first stage of the switch?
GSSI / Toptronics / Antennas Direct intro DA-001 indoor antenna
We heard Antennas Direct was going small, and it wasn't kidding. In partnership with GSSI and Toptronics, the firm has just rolled out the DA-001 indoor antenna, complete with a "patented element and low noise amplifier designed for digital signal reception." Checking in at 12- x 8- x 13-inches, the unit was crafted to receive both VHF and UHF signals (channels 2 to 69), and supposedly, it can fetch said waves up to 50 miles away. There's been no official mention of a price, but a modicum of digging puts it just south of $65.
New RFID readers from Alien distinguishes between tags
For airlines and cargo handling companies, the inability to know precisely where a specific item was located on a belt could (understandably) prove to be quite the limitation. Thankfully, the gurus at Alien Technology are aiming to add more functionality to a few of its readers in order to nix said quandary. The company recently showcased its Intelligent Tag Radar reader firmware in Las Vegas, which essentially provides its ALR-9900, ALR-9800 and ALR-8800 Enterprise-Class reader platform with the ability to understand "information about the velocity and position of tags, in addition to the contents of tag memory." Furthermore, the included ITR-Singulation features allows the reader to "easily discriminate amongst adjacent tagged objects on a conveyor such as items, cases or airline baggage." One less excuse for lost luggage? Where do we sign?[Via CNET]
DIY Gray-Hoverman antenna promises better OTA reception
With pay-TV prices headed nowhere but up and programming quality getting dodgy in spots, we've got just the thing for those looking to go OTA. The Gray-Hoverman Antenna for UHF Television Reception is an improved version of the original Hoverman antenna, and thanks to a little help from computer modeling, users are reporting some fairly amazing pickups. Best of all, the creators have made the instructions for assembling one yourself totally free and available in the read link, and just in case the 0 to 60 mile range of the single bay edition isn't enough for you, the double bay model can purportedly fetch stations from 20 to 100 miles out. We'd love a little confirmation if any of you are courageous enough to put one together and give it a spin.[Via RetroThing]
DT501HS PC Card handles DVB-H and HSDPA
If you've ever wondered just how much functionality could be crammed into a single PC Card, it seems that Onda and Siano are out to give you an answer. Deemed the "world's first combined DVB-H / HSDPA card" for Italy's TIM, the DT501HS enables users to suck down mobile TV and internet content in one fell swoop, but we've no idea if / when this thing will be made available on any other carrier(s). Notably, this device relies on Siano's wee PCB-mounted SMS8021 antenna, which means that you won't find any external protrusions here. As for pricing, we weren't able to locate any hard figures, but those parked in Italy should be able to snap one up anytime now in TIM stores.[Image courtesy of Cellular]
Diamond Multimedia offers up HDTV100 portable USB TV tuner
Although these miniscule USB TV tuners have long been available overseas, we're thrilled to see Diamond Multimedia bringing the tiny OTA tuning love here to the States. The firm's HDTV100 sports an attractively small thumb drive-like enclosure, is powered entirely by USB, and features both ATSC and analog tuners within. Aside from supporting EPG, allowing you to schedule recordings and simultaneously playback a stored show while capturing another, it also comes with a "video capture dongle" to grab content from sources other than your trusty TV antenna. Best of all, Diamond's wee gem can be snapped up for just $99, which should give American travelers yearning for a little TV action while on the go little to frown upon.
Shipping this week: absolutely nothing edition
A new year is upon us, and it looks like the game industry is still suffering from a collective hangover, as there are hardly any new games this week, and none at all for our beloved 360. So, instead of a handy bulleted list, we present you with this clip from UHF, Weird Al Yankovic's best (and only) film. We hope you enjoy it. Come to think of it, maybe they should make a UHF game. Hell, since we have no real games to buy this week, let's come up with some fake ones that we'd like to see. Any ideas? Make sure you come up with some achievements, too.
Princeton PCK-UAV UHF video / audio transmitter
While it seems that there's just too many of those not-exactly-functional FM transmitters for your iPod / DAP-of-choice to ever actually decide on just one (and hope for the best), the market for transmitting video from your portable media player is bit more limited. Princeton has unveiled its video (and audio) transmitting solution, dubbed the PCK-UAV, to give 5G iPod owners, as well any other PMP -- or anything with RCA outs, actually -- the ability to transmit media wirelessly over the UHF band. If you're fortunate enough to rock a TV monitor (or four) in your ride, and you've got a built-in TV tuner somewhere in there as well, you can pipe your TV shows, movies, tunes, etc. to any connected display by tuning into one of the four UHF stations the PCK-UAV plays nice with; DIP switches on the unit allow for broadcasting to channels 45, 48, 50, and 53, and you can supposedly pick these up on a standard television as well, giving you an excellent reason to dust off those 'ole rabbit ears. Contrary to most poorly complemented Japanese products, Princeton includes some thoughtful extras here, such as a 12 volt car power adapter and apparently a video / audio connector cable made specifically for the iPod with video -- although we can't quite pick up solid deets concerning price or availability, nor how well this implementation of an in-car transmitter will actually, you know, transmit, it'll supposedly run you about ¥8,000 ($69) when it drops this month.[Via OhGizmo]
Spectrum's small, and we mean small, HDTV antenna
Check out this cool, little antenna. There is no word on price yet but the manufacturer, Spectrum, is prepping this guy for a global launch. There really is nothing innovative as it is just a small UHF antenna, but boy is it still cool. It is meant to be used with all those USB and PCI ATSC tuner cards that are out there. Just set this guy on the desk/table/rock you are using as a desk and away you go. It does appear that it can be mounted too. It is just kind of neat.Your thoughts...
