Table a Television: Understanding TV Allotment Tables
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) uses a Table A Television allotment system to assign specific broadcast channels to communities across the United States, its territories, and possessions. This comprehensive table, officially known as the Digital Television Table of Allotments, ensures organized and interference-free broadcasting. This article delves into the structure and significance of this table, outlining how it governs the television landscape.
Deciphering the Digital Television Table of Allotments
The TV allotment table lists communities alongside their designated channel numbers. An asterisk (*) next to a channel number signifies its reservation for non-commercial educational broadcasting. This meticulous organization prevents signal interference and ensures efficient spectrum usage. The table is not static; it can be amended through a petition for rule making, requesting new allotments or channel changes.
Rules and Regulations Governing TV Allotments
Requests to modify the table a television allotments undergo rigorous evaluation based on specific engineering criteria outlined in §§ 73.617, 73.618, and 73.620. These criteria assess the technical feasibility of proposed changes, ensuring compatibility with existing broadcasts and minimizing potential interference. New allotment requests face additional scrutiny, adhering to geographic spacing requirements detailed in § 73.622(k) and engineering standards in §§ 73.614, 73.617, 73.618, and 73.620(a) and (d). These regulations ensure that new stations can operate without disrupting existing services.
)
Reference Points and Distance Computations
The FCC utilizes precise reference coordinates for each TV allotment, typically based on the authorized facility’s location. For new allotments lacking established transmitter sites, the FCC designates specific coordinates in the order modifying the table a television allotments. This ensures accurate geographic positioning and facilitates distance calculations crucial for interference prevention.
Geographic Spacing Requirements for New Allotments
New TV allotment petitions must demonstrate adherence to stringent geographic spacing rules to prevent interference. These rules, outlined in § 73.622(k), stipulate minimum distances between co-channel and adjacent-channel allotments based on specific zones defined in § 73.609. Zone I, with higher population density, generally requires greater separation than Zones II and III. This zoning system acknowledges varying signal propagation characteristics across different geographic areas.
Specific Channel Spacing Considerations
Unique frequency spacing between Channels 4 and 5, 6 and 7, and 13 and 14 necessitates exceptions to the standard geographic spacing requirements. According to § 73.603(a), the minimum distances outlined in § 73.622(k)(2) do not apply to these channel pairs. This recognizes the inherent frequency separation that reduces interference potential between these specific channels.
The Table: A Comprehensive List of TV Allotments
The table a television allotments comprises a detailed list of communities and their corresponding channel assignments, organized by state and territory. This extensive catalog provides a clear picture of the nation’s television broadcast allocation. This ensures equitable access to the airwaves and supports a diverse media landscape.
)
Conclusion: The Foundation of Broadcast Organization
The Digital Television Table of Allotments serves as a critical foundation for organized television broadcasting in the United States. By assigning specific channels to communities and enforcing strict technical and geographic requirements, the FCC ensures efficient spectrum use and minimizes interference. This complex system enables viewers to enjoy a wide range of programming options while supporting a vibrant and dynamic broadcasting ecosystem.
