What has been called a successful TV channel sharing experiment...

What has been called a successful TV channel sharing experiment relied on technical specifications that may not work for all broadcasters, said Fletcher Heald communications attorney Steve Lovelady in a blog post Monday (http://bit.ly/1eBohXO). Though FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler suggested that broadcasters pursue channle sharing at a recent speech at the NAB Show, for the sharing experiment to be successful, “some interesting basic assumptions had to be made,” said Lovelady. “The experiment used the latest and best encoder hardware and software, producing more efficient results than the equipment at most stations,” Lovelady said. “To the extent that a positive channel-sharing experience may hinge to some degree on upgrading some pricey equipment, broadcasters should be aware of that.” The experiment also used a 720p HD format, which could mean the 1080i format is not as good in sharing situations, said Lovelady. “Whether channel-sharing might ultimately impose any new burdens on broadcasters or broadcast networks already committed to 1080i is unclear,” said the blog post. The audio stream in the experiment also used a lower bit rate than is commonly used by many broadcasters, Lovelady said. Shared channels may also require an extensive consumer education effort to help viewers find the channels, Lovelady said. “It may be that some, many, even most broadcasters won’t find the technical fine print and related testing assumptions and conditions objectionable,” Lovelady said. “But it is important that everybody know both (a) that the fine print, assumptions and conditions are there and (b) how they might affect the channel-sharing experience."