The Official SatelliteGuys TV Repack Topic

[Voyager6]

I have trackers blocked, but if that's a link to BaltoMedia on Facebook, I strongly encourage you to ignore him. Other experts and I have been in long arguments with him about the inaccuracy of his statements and he refuses to back down. (See here: facebook.com/BaltoMedia/posts/2913850045348173?comment_id=2914480288618482 Had to cripple the link to make it not convert to huge empty space.)

He is no better than a tabloid.

- Trip

So has the repack for the Baltimore market been pushed back or not? As far as I can tell, WBAL and WJZ have not moved to their new channel assignments.

 

[Peter Parker]

Those stations plus WMAR are in Phase 10 which does not end until July 3. Having said that they are all on the candelabra on Television Hill. It is my understanding that they are still having problems related to switching equipmemnt on the tower.

If trip or anyone else has better information please jump in.

 

[Trip]

So has the repack for the Baltimore market been pushed back or not? As far as I can tell, WBAL and WJZ have not moved to their new channel assignments.

No FCC action has been taken at this time. July 3 remains the goal.

- Trip

 

[osu1991]

KOTV in Tulsa is moving June 25. I think that is the last of the Tulsa stations to move.

Rescan Oklahoma

rescanoklahoma.com

 

[FTA4PA]

Hi Trip! I have a question about WNEP (who shares their facilities with WVIA) on UHF 50 in Pennsylvania. They were supposed to switch to UHF 21 quite a while back. My understanding is that testing on the new frequency caused interference with a staion in New York and the move was put on hold. Any word on when/if the switch is happening?

 

[Trip]

Hi Trip! I have a question about WNEP (who shares their facilities with WVIA) on UHF 50 in Pennsylvania. They were supposed to switch to UHF 21 quite a while back. My understanding is that testing on the new frequency caused interference with a staion in New York and the move was put on hold. Any word on when/if the switch is happening?

WNEP is scheduled to move during Phase 10.

- Trip

 

[FTA4PA]

WNEP is scheduled to move during Phase 10.

- Trip

Thanks for the update. The old table I have showed move was originally supposed to happen during phase 4. Since they are in phase 10 now is the date info still correct - between 5/2/2020 and 7/3/2020? Thanks!

 

[Trip]

Yes.

- Trip

 

[FTA4PA]

Yes.

- Trip

Thanks!

 

[Voyager6]

Began seeing the rescan notice for Baltimore this past week.

WBAL-TV RESCAN DAY: Here's how to rescan your TV

WBAL-TV is changing frequencies on July 2, which means viewers who watch Channel 11 over the air with an antenna will have to rescan their television.

www.wbaltv.com

Antenna Users, It's Time To Rescan Your TVs Again If You Want To Watch WJZ

Due to a government mandate, WJZ-TV is transitioning to a new physical channel on July 2nd, 2020.

baltimore.cbslocal.com

WMAR is moving frequencies. Here's what you need to know.

www.wmar2news.com

 

[Peter Parker]

We are still waiting for WMAR, WBAL and WJZ to repack. I see that WBAL has aked for an extension to December but currently believes that it will cease broadcasting on the current Ch. 11 on July 2 and will apparently use an interim facility for some period of time (hopefully a matter of days) at Chanel 12.

All 3 stations broadcast from a candelabra transmitter tower on what is called TV Hill. The delay comes from problems associated with scheduling a helicopter service to install the new transmitter atop the tower.

WJZ is a moving from Channel 13 to Channel 11. It is my understanding that they have filed fora similar extension based on the same situation but I have not seen their filing.

WMAR is moving from Ch. 38 to Channel 27. They too have problems with helicopter scheduling but their change is not linked to the WBAL situation in the same way that WJZ is. I understand that they have not filed for an extension. One unsubstantiated article indicated they will also use a temporary antenss for some period of time but I am not sure how long that might be---or even if that article is accurate.

Personally I currently receive WMAR though it breaks up on occasion. It is possible that the frequency chage will help that but I am not counting on it. WBAL comes in fora few days at a time after some scans but it is not reliable. I suspect the repack will not improve that situation.

I would like to get WJZ but I am not hopeful. Still I like to dream. So I will dream about this.

Trip or others feel free to correct any outdated or inaccurate information. I am in the DC area but do find that reception of WNUV, WBFF, WUTb and (occasionally) WMAR.] and was just trying to pass on what I know ---or at least what I believe to be true.

 

[Peter Parker]

I have trackers blocked, but if that's a link to BaltoMedia on Facebook, I strongly encourage you to ignore him. Other experts and I have been in long arguments with him about the inaccuracy of his statements and he refuses to back down. (See here: facebook.com/BaltoMedia/posts/2913850045348173?comment_id=2914480288618482 Had to cripple the link to make it not convert to huge empty space.)

He is no better than a tabloid.

- Trip

I just reread that thread. BaltoMedia is pretty stubborn. If he could just accept corrections or updated information he would have apretty useful site but, as it stands, it is hard to separate the wheat from the chaff.

But hey this Colombo guy sounds really smart. He is probably good looking as well.

 

[Peter Parker]

Today the FCC notified WMAR, WBAL and WJZ that the request fora 180 day extension of their construction permits has been granted. If i am reading this correctly all 3 stations will cease operating on their pre repack frequencies and move to their post repack frequencies by July 3 (actually July 2) but will do so by using auxiliary transmitters.

WMAR may actually meet the July 3 deadline and all 3 are likely to be at full power before the end of the 180 days.

If trip or anyine else sees a need to correct this please do so.

 

[Peter Parker]

Does anyone know if the following three Baltimore, MD stations (WMAR, WBAL and WJZ) will be at full power immediately after the repack on July 2?

I am aware of their extension requests but last I heard there was some possibility of using the new transmitters immediately for some or all of the stations. I am just seeking information about whether they will be at full power on that date or whether there is any forecast for when they will be.

 

[Peter Parker]

As soon as I posted the above question I got an email from WJZ saying they will be at full power on or about August 1. Maybe I should have posted the questiona week ago.

 

[TheKrell]

Do you have DIsh? Do I have to rescan on my H3 to get all those changes?

 

[navychop]

Nope, for satellite delivered locals.

Yep, for OTA.

 

[Peter Parker]

Do you have DIsh? Do I have to rescan on my H3 to get all those changes?

Only if you are getting them via the OTA adapter and antenna. I have DISH and that is how I get at least some of the Baltimore stations.

 

[Peter Parker]

Only if you are getting them via the OTA adapter and antenna. I have DISH and that is how I get at least some of the Baltimore stations.

I suspect that is how you are watching them if you are talking about a rescan since you do not scan or rescan the satellite delivered locals.

 

[Peter Parker]

WMAR reception is actually improved. No change to WBAL or WJZ but I am not sure what time of day they intended to repack. sadly I seem to have lost DC'd WHUT but at least the main channel is available on DISH.

FWIW WMAR kept saying the change would happen exactly t 0:00 AM but it did not until about 9:06. If I get anything on the other stations when i rescan later I will report it. Otherwise I will check in around Aug 1 when WJZ expects to be at full power.