The VHF's Return after UHF (was Re: CH 40 Analog was shut down Sun nite)

[Mark Laurence]

On Dec 4, 2008, at 11:23 AM, Sid Schweiger wrote:

>>> According to the FCC, here's where everything settles down after  
>>> 2/17/09:
>
> ANALOG -> DIGITAL
> MA (Boston and Worcester metro only):
> 7 -> 7
> 2 -> 19
> 5 -> 20
> 4 -> 30...
> 46 -> 10...
>
> RI:
> 64 -> 12
> 12 -> 13...
> 10 -> 51

Is it still true that VHF will have significantly better coverage  
than UHF signals?  If so, I don't understand the logic behind these  
allocations.  Why does zero-audience channel 46 in Norwell get to  
pick up a VHF frequency when long-established major stations go into  
the UHF wilderness?  Did the FCC just roll dice?  Did some  
broadcasters decide that over-the-air doesn't mean anything?

I can understand why you wouldn't think anything was wrong if you  
live in an area with perfect reception.  Many people don't.  Some are  
even residents of the city of license.  I expect we'll hear from many  
of them in February.

Is there any potential for power increases, or repeaters?  If Boston  
stations can't cover Worcester, then there should be Worcester  
stations to carry the major broadcast networks.