Power increase delayed (slightly)

Power increase delayed (slightly)

Topic Author: Tom Weeden

Posted: 5:18 PM Oct 19, 2009

Replies Posted: 7 comments

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We've been shooting for a late October power increase since we placed an order for a new antenna back in May. The antenna is ready to ship, and the upgraded transmitter is just a few days away from completion. But our tower crew needs to bring in a specialized crane which will be temporarily installed at the top of the tower to lower the old antenna and bring up the new one. This unit is tied up at another site until early November.

But...November is the important Nielsen ratings period. (Actually October 29 through November 25.) Part of our new antenna installation involves signing off the air for several minutes or longer while the tower workers are near our existing antenna for safety reasons. A poorly timed signoff would affect the rating and subsequent advertising rates for a particular program. So we're going to dance around that possiblity and begin the antenna installation after the Thanksgiving holiday weekend. Hopefully we'll be finished by mid-December with an improved signal.

Thanks for your patience!

Comments are posted from viewers like you and do not always reflect the views of this station.

by JP Location: Belmont on Feb 21, 2010 at 08:57 PM

When you switched over last fall we totally lost channel 15 at our house. We have re-scanned an nothing. Do I need to invest in an external antenna? Channels 3, 21, 27, and 57 come in great.

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by Tim Location: Westfield on Jan 21, 2010 at 10:14 PM

When will NBC 15 begin broadcasts in 1080 (news)?

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by Tom Weeden Location: WMTV on Dec 8, 2009 at 09:17 AM

Carl, the first post will probably be on Twitter (www.twitter.com/WMTVtech) and here on the HDTV page. We'll also mention it on newscasts.

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by Carl Williams Location: Adams WI on Dec 6, 2009 at 12:33 AM

Where will you post a notice when the signal improvement is first fully activated ?

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by Greg Location: Rockford, Il (south) on Dec 3, 2009 at 10:18 AM

It's been interesting to follow the saga of upgrading a signal during the digital/HD age. Thanks for the info. I get the signal sometimes at about 60 on my Dish receiver, mostly early mornings or during rain (skip). Since I can get Chicago and sometimes Milwaukee (skip) as well as Rockford, I don't miss much. Rockford stations don't have any HD local news except for 23 who really fuzz up the picture in the studio; must have poor makeup personnel. Their shots outside the studio are all very clear. They have the equipment, but don't use it right. Maybe you'll do better. The rest of the Madison stations come in all of the time if I point the antenna correctly and most of the time if pointed between Madison and Rockford. When you are done, please post a picture of the new antenna system. Thanks again. Formerly N9AKP.

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by Matthew Location: westfield, wi on Nov 29, 2009 at 05:40 PM

The signal keeps going in and out. I see you are trying to fix the problem. Thanks again.

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by Barry Location: Dubuque IA on Oct 21, 2009 at 03:31 PM

Thanks for the update. I get your competitors 3 and 49 with ease but your signal is spotty at best. Really miss Sunday night football and Notre Dame football when the weather is bad.

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