[QUOTE=crazyb;5464526]
Originally Posted by
n4zou
Feb 2009 all the VHF/UHF TV channels will disappear. All "free" TV signals will move to DTV channels, which are much higher in frequency.
Digital broadcasts are currently being broadcast in our area (eastern Iowa) on UHF. Most of the broadcasters will convert to VHF when they no longer broadcast analog on VHF. One will still need a tv with a digital tuner, but that is all that will be required to pick up the broadcasts on UHF or VHF. UHF and VHF will not disapppear.
The FCC has already started auctioning off all VHF and most of the lower frequency UHF TV channels that will not be assigned to government use. DTV frequencies start in the 800Mhz range. The government tried switching police and fire frequencies to the 800Mhz range with disastrous results. They discovered there mistake in the wake of the terrorist attacks on New York and Washington D.C. September 11 2001. The TV Broadcasters have been trying to prevent the switch, as they know there coverage areas will be greatly reduced. Unfortunately for them the red line for change over is set for Feb 2009. It will be interesting to see what happens when this takes place. In my area the Birmingham, AL TV stations tried to get a permit to install a DTV repeater so the local population could continue to get "free" TV. The local cable company successfully prevented the permit stating it would be an environmental hazard and would be an eyesore sitting on top of a beautiful mountain range.