Digital Distribution Fund (DDF) Round 12b

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Where can I get information and how do I apply for a Digital Distribution Fund Round 12b grant?

Go to PBS Connect. On the left side of the home page click on "ENGINEER COMPUTE." In the middle of the page (you may need to scroll down) click on "Digital Conversion Grants." Guidelines explaining equipment available for the current grant round, application instructions and all other information is available through links on the Grants home page.

2. What is the status of my DDF Round 11-Priority Two grant application for digital master control and redundancy equipment? Should I reapply in Round 12b?

DDF Round 12b will only accept applications for equipment essential to meet the FCC analog shutoff deadline of February 17, 2009, maximization equipment and expenses or other qualified projects (see Guidelines). All DDF Round 11-Priority Two applications for digital master control and redundancy equipment remain pending. Questions regarding Round 11-Priority Two applications should be addressed to Tracy Locke-Kitt, Digital Grants Coordinator, CPB.

3. Can my station apply for Round 12b funds to assist in funding my facility's maximization?

Applications for maximized facilities from applicants who have applied to the FCC, or intend to apply to the FCC prior to contract execution, to maximize their DTV facilities will be eligible. Applicants must demonstrate that they have applied to the FCC to maximize their facilities or have been granted a FCC Construction Permit for the maximized facility at the time of contract execution.

Alternatively, certain qualified projects may be eligible for Round 12b application (see Guidelines 1MB PDF File).

4. Will there be another DDF grant round in the future? Will master control again be funded?

As you may know, Congress authorized FY 08 funding in support of the digital conversion. As in the past, CPB, in consultation with stations and the Digital Consultation Panel, has determined which digital funding initiatives will be funded through DDF Round 12b. It is not currently known whether Congress will authorize additional funding for FY 09.

5. Once we turn off our analog transmitter we can construct a backup transmitter system by converting our analog transmitter to digital. Will Round 12b fund the conversion of an existing transmitter to provide backup service?

No, DDF Round 12b will not fund fully redundant transmitter systems. As detailed in the Round 12b Guidelines, certain critical transmitter components, including but not limited to exciters, are eligible for funding.

6. Is replacement or upgrades of ATSC encoder systems eligible under DDF Round 12b?

ATSC encoder systems and/or related components can be included in Round 12b applications to the extent the equipment is critical to meeting minimum FCC requirements for DTV broadcasting. Proposed equipment components will not be eligible for funding if the components provide enhancements or additional services over the applicant’s current capabilities. For example, if the applicant’s current encoding system includes two standard definition encoders only, DDF Round 12b will not fund the addition of a high definition encoder as part of a replacement system.

7. Would a replacement STL qualify? In our case, our station needs to install a microwave STL to replace our current method of using an off-air signal as an STL.

If the applicant can demonstrate that the current STL cannot reliably keep its DTV signal on the air, it may qualify. If the requested STL is to enhance service, it would not be eligible for DDF Round 12b.

8. Can the new Nielsen NAVE encoders be included in a DDF Round 12b application?

No, the encoders cannot, but options to NAVE encoders such as EIA-708 captioning and TSID insertion may be considered if the equipment need is essential to meet the FCC analog shutoff deadline of February 17, 2009.