Secondary channels are channels that broadcast stations have in addition to their primary feed. Here are two real world examples:
My local CBS affiliate operates on 42.1. They also have a secondary channel that they distribute on 42.2, which is now the Retro Television Network. My local ABC affiliate also utilizes a secondary channel, which they have 24-hours of weather.
Secondary channels are made possible by digital technology. This is one advantage of digital television over analog - the ability to transmit multiple streams of video content.
It is my belief that one day we'll see a major network (CBS, ABC, FOX, NBC) try to compete against cable and satellite by striking deals with cable-only channels and bring cable television to the free airwaves.
In theory, my thought works like this: ABC brings their family of stations, like ABC Family and ESPN to free television. Now, this theory has obstacles. Mostly, the loss of revenue generated from cable and satellite transmission.
So, my latest thought is that a broadcast network will make deals with syndicated channels, like the Retro Television Network, but offer more current programming. Or, begin broadcasting on a secondary channel an all-news station with hopes of attracting more viewers throughout the day.
Whatever scenario the future holds for secondary channels, the antenna user stands to gain rather than lose programming once the digital transition becomes effective and broadcast stations figure out what to do with their secondary channels.
Comments
You seem to know some of how the digital signal will work & I have a couple question’s about it I’m hopeing maybe you can answer for me
I have an antenna, I don’t get good reception AT ALL (One of the downfalls of living in the country) will the digital signal be stronger than the analog?
I have a couple TV’s so will I need a separate box to be able to watch a different program on each TV?
Thanks
The digital signal is actually more difficult to receive because it won’t display partial signals like analog. You know, where the screen is fuzzy but you can still see the image and hear the sound.
You would need two boxes for two TVs as you wouldn’t be able to split the signal quite like analog unless you split it coming out of the box. But, then the same signal would have to be displayed on both TVs.
Try going to Antenna Web to see if there is an outdoor rating that suits your needs. Once you know the color code needed for your area you could search online for an antenna that meets those parameters.
As always, you can email me with any questions – tv.guide@about.com. If you want me to look at Antenna Web for you, send me your zip code through email and I’ll send you some options.
How can I find out more about the local ABC or CBS secondary channels? Do they sell time to independent production companies on these channels? Once the conversion happens next year to digital TV will we see more programming on these channels? Can a person buy a secondary channel? Thanks for any information you may have or site you suggest that I can go to read more about this subject.
Do you know if the multiplexed channels in our American system uses time domain multiplexing or frequency domain multiplexing? It is certainly different than the orthognal DVB frequency domain methods used by free to air satellite and the european system. thanks.
(3) In response to CT’s questions:
Q. “How can I find out more about the local ABC or CBS secondary channels?”
A. The stations, not the network, ultimately make these decisions, so your best bet is to contact your local ABC and CBS stations (check their websites — the information might be there already). That said, some of the networks might provide programming for their affiliates to use on secondary channels. At the moment, the whole situation is very fluid, but once stations, networks, and advertisers get more information about audience response, they’ll certainly respond.
Q. Do they sell time to independent production companies on these channels?
A. The local station makes the decision. Contact the local station.
Q. Once the conversion happens next year to digital TV will we see more programming on these channels?
A. I don’t have any insider information about this, but I’m sure they will. After all, they’ve spent a lot of money on the technology, so they’ll certainly want to use it.
Q. Can a person buy a secondary channel?
A. Again, the local station makes the decision. Contact the local station.
Neal
Retired Cable Guy
Brazoria, Texas
My parents just bought a digital converter box since they only have antenna and no cable or satellite tv. We set it up yesterday, but we couldn’t get their local affiliates for NBC, CBS, or ABC. Please help. Their zip code is 98626 and they can get the Portland affiliates no problem with their antenna. Thanks.
Response to Eric: I looked at Antenna Web to see Portland’s stations. The thing about the converter box is to make sure you tune to channel 3 on the TV. You’ll change channels through the box – not the TV. Also, you’ll configure the box to see which stations it can receive. Email me at tv.guide@about.com if you have more questions or need clarification.
The one factor your leaving out is bandwith. The more channels they run down thew pipeline the worse the quality. Example-my local PBS station had the finest HD picture in town. They are now running 3 (they added 2) down the same pipeline, and they now have the worst HD station in town. This is a major problem happening all over America. GREED over picture quality is the broadcaster’s mantra.
I have another problem with the New Converter boxes. It may be a bit premature because the transition doesn’t take effect until Feb.’09, but I lose all of my PBS stations with the transition, plus I get the signals breaking up during viewing of programs. It may be that the Networks have NOT completed the digital transition, but if this isn’t the case the general non-cable/satellite public will lose out on watching their favorite programs without some signal interruption. I am not completely sold on the digital transition issue and have not been 100% pleased with what I have experienced to date. Being a New York City resident you would think that we would not have reception problems, but it is occurring throughout the city and I am beginning to think that it is just an excuse to get all of the public trapped in paying for TV subscriptions.
Now that I have a converter box the channels are: 9.1 and so on. My recorder won’t type in 9.1 to record. How do I record a program?
Here is an article explaining how to do that: http://tv.about.com/od/frequentlyaskedquestions/qt/dtvVCRrecord.htm. Basically, tune the VCR to channel 3 and tune the DTV converter to the channel you want to record. The VCR will always be on channel 3 from now on.