FCC Initiates Rulemaking on Distributed Transmission Technology for Digital TV Stations

[SOURCE: Federal Communications Commission]
Distributed Transmission Systems (DTS) would allow television stations to employ multiple synchronized transmitters spread around a station's service area, rather than a single-transmitter, enabling broadcasters to fill gaps in service coverage. Each transmitter would broadcast the station's digital television signal on the same channel, similar to analog TV booster stations but more efficiently. The major benefit offered by DTS is to afford over-the-air service in areas previously blocked by terrain. On Friday, the FCC clarified the Commission's existing guidelines for stations' interim use of DTS and initiated a rulemaking regarding the future use of Distributed DTS by digital television stations. The Notice proposes rules to govern the use of DTS as an alternative to single transmitter systems for digital television stations and seeks comment on how DTV receivers and converter boxes will work where stations use DTS. The proposed rules for DTS service would provide for stations to use DTS to serve currently authorized areas. They would also allow stations to apply to maximize their coverage using DTS once the current freeze on the filing of most DTV applications is lifted, generally allowing DTS service in an area that is comparable to the area they could cover with a single transmitter.
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-262082A1.doc