Tornado coverage and HD simulcast

[Ace Purple]

Normally, when I want to listen to 1510 WLAC, I tune in onto the 105.9-HD3 simulcast of the station. However, with a tornado warning and bad storm bearing down where I am in Smyrna, TN, the HD signal isn't strong enough for me to be picked up like I normally can. So I'm having to listen to it on AM radio, but 1510 doesn't come in great here due to (I believe) groundwave issues.

[AmpedNow]

I wonder if inclement weather affects HD more than the analog...

I've never noticed much difference.

[Ace Purple]

I thought that HD sub-channels broadcast at a lower power level, maybe at 10% the power of the main station? I'm not entirely sure.

Cumulus and Clear Channel both did a good job providing local coverage of the tornadoes. Right now I'm listening to WGNS out of Murfreesboro, a college city about a half-hour or so southeast of Nashville. The area just west of Murfreesboro was hit pretty hard according to all indications. Also, good work by local Nashville TV in keeping track of the story and keeping everyone updated.

WGNS online (for you breaking weather news fans): http://www.wgnsradio.com

[Ace Purple]

Interesting that WGNS just went to commercial but TV (all four news outlets in Nashville) has gone commercial-free. That is the real test of a producer: the ability to handle breaking news without commercial breaks. You're working without a net there, and the talent and tech crew are all looking at you to tell them where to go next.

Two deaths reported so far from the tornadoes. Damn.

[AmpedNow]

1% of ERP, as of now. The HD boys are pushing for up to 10% of ERP on FM. Field testing on undisclosed stations are happening as we speak. Probably NPR stations.

A 100kw station only needs 1kw digital to cover about 60% of the analog coverage. Power-wise, it's a far more efficient system.

If or when the 10% power increase is approved, it probably won't be mandatory, as it just won't work for every station.

[AmpedNow]

That crap looks like it's heading this way, too.

[Big Media]

I thought that HD sub-channels broadcast at a lower power level, maybe at 10% the power of the main station? I'm not entirely sure.

Just a lower bit-stream, as far as I know. Every station is different but in the case of an HD with one sub, they dedicate about 12.5 Mbs to the HD channel and about 3 or 4 Mbs to the sub.

[Mike]

The problem with digital is you don't have the option to listen through static. It's either there and perfect or not there at all.