Digital Distribution Fund: Round 9
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I get information and how do I apply for a Digital Distribution Fund (DDF) Round 9 grant?
The DDF Round 9 Guidelines are posted on the CPB website as well as on the PBS Connect Forums. The Guidelines, electronic application and other information are also available as follows: Navigate to PBS Connect. Under "Featured Services," click on "Digital Conversion Grants." Guidelines explaining equipment eligibility for the current grant round, application instructions and all other information is available through links on the Grants home page.
I have to move quickly to complete FCC requirements to meet the current deadlines. Can I order equipment now?
The DDF Round 9 Guidelines indicate that CPB will consider requests by applicants to order equipment on or after the date the application is formally submitted, but actual expenditures prior to a grant contract execution, such as equipment down payments, cannot exceed the applicant’s proposed local match (non-federal funds expenditures) for the project. Applicants that choose to place orders prior to grant contract execution do so at their own risk and are strongly encouraged to discuss their specific needs with PBS and/or CPB prior to formalizing their applications.
Will there be another DDF grant round in the future? Will master control again be funded?
As you may know, Congress authorized FY 06 funding in support of the digital conversion. As in the past, CPB, in consultation with stations and the Digital Consultation Panel, determines which digital funding initiatives will be funded. CPB met with the Digital Consultation Panel in January 2006 and determined that the immediate funding priorities included the July 1 and December 31, 2006 FCC deadlines for digital conversion and the Congressionally mandated February 17, 2009 deadline for concluding the digital conversion. As a result Round 9 is addressing the 2006 deadlines and shortly thereafter another DDF grant round may address the 2009 deadline. If funds remain available from the FY 06 appropriation applications for master control projects may be eligible during the next DDF grant round. It is not currently known whether Congress will authorize additional funding for FY 07.
Can the new Nielsen NAVE encoders be included in a DDF Round 9 application?
No, the Nielsen encoders are not required by the FCC and therefore are not eligible. Options to the Norpak NAVE II encoders such as EIA-708 captioning and TSID insertion may be considered.
Can RF test equipment be included on a DDF Round 9 application?
Only test equipment that can be justified as necessary to meet the 2006 FCC DTV deadlines will be eligible. PBS will review all equipment lists and, if necessary, discuss eligibility questions with the applicant prior to final CPB approval.
Do logo inserters qualify under DDF Round 9?
If they are needed for required station ID, yes.
Are ATSC encoders eligible in Round 9?
ATSC encoders can be included in some cases. Transmission applications that include ATSC encoders will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis for eligibility of the encoders. If a station cannot provide a service that meets FCC requirements for DTV without purchase of an encoder, the encoder will likely qualify.
Would a replacement STL qualify in an application? 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.
Yes, if the applicant can demonstrate that the current STL cannot reliably keep its DTV signal on the air, it would qualify. If the requested STL is to enhance service, it may not be eligible for Round 9.
Can I apply to upgrade or construct an entirely new master control during Round 9 so that my station can provide new digital services?
No master control applications of any kind are eligible for Round 9. Only equipment that is necessary to basic transmission is eligible. This equipment, in some cases, may include ATSC encoders, closed caption encoders and other equipment necessary to meet FCC requirements.
What equipment or type of equipment should be included in my application to be compatible with NGIS?
It is not anticipated that any equipment necessary to basic DTV transmission interfaces to NGIS equipment. In general, however, questions about NGIS can be directed to Jerry Butler at jbutler@pbs.org.
Are translators and/or on-channel repeaters eligible in Round 9?
Only transmission equipment necessary to meet applicable FCC DTV deadlines during 2006 is eligible. Translators and on channel repeaters are not include in those deadlines. If you have an unusual situation that you think would qualify you to apply for translator and/or on-channel repeater equipment, contact Lew Zager, lzager@pbs.org, for assistance.