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Other => General Discussion => Topic started by: ABC7 on July 03, 2008, 02:50:46 PM

Title: What does this mean?
Post by: ABC7 on July 03, 2008, 02:50:46 PM

This is a message that is plastered on a not-so local channel:

"This channel is currently blacked out at the request of a broadcast system or cable provider or in accordance of FCC regulations?"

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What does that mean? It either sounds tech-speak or corporate-speak.

Title: Re: What does this mean?
Post by: TheRolyPoly on July 03, 2008, 03:32:49 PM

Mabye it's you have to pay the channel or the channel is out due to technical diffculties

Title: Re: What does this mean?
Post by: ABC7 on July 03, 2008, 03:37:49 PM

The channel is on a basic cable. Instead, audio from infomercials play over the message. Yuck.

What is a local broadcaster?

Title: Re: What does this mean?
Post by: LFMusicFan on July 03, 2008, 03:40:52 PM

There are 2 channels here that almost always have a blue screen with a similar message written in large, yellow text. Of course, as I type this, they aren't showing the blue screen. I'll post a pic of it later...

Title: Re: What does this mean?
Post by: ABC7 on July 03, 2008, 03:41:39 PM

That's exactly what it looks like!

Title: Re: What does this mean?
Post by: Tyler on July 03, 2008, 03:45:34 PM

FCC regulations state that when there is a local full power broadcast station within a market … then that broadcaster has the right to enforce two FCCs rules: 1) network non-duplication and 2) syndicated exclusivity rules…

These FCC rules require that cable operators can not carry duplicate stations and that the cable operator must blackout any and all duplicated programming if it exists, on other stations.

So, it must mean some other channel is carrying the exact same programming, or something similar to that situation.

Title: Re: What does this mean?
Post by: lfmusiclover on July 03, 2008, 03:51:46 PM

Yep, Tyler is right. Once the program is over the station should return.  :twothumbs:

Title: Re: What does this mean?
Post by: LFMusicFan on July 03, 2008, 04:04:06 PM

Channel 2 just started showing the blue screen. Here's an attached image.

Title: Re: What does this mean?
Post by: ABC7 on July 03, 2008, 04:24:19 PM

It has to do with syndication, then. Why are there so many hcannels running the exact same programming? Here are all my affiliates:

2: KTVU: Fox
3: KCBA: Fox 35
4: Spanish Channel KSMS
5: KION CBS 48
6: KSBW NBC 8
7: What's my username?
9: KQED PBS
10: KTEH PBS
11: KOTR: My Network or... yeah.
13: KICU This is the channel being blocked
14: CW Call letters unsure
16: KSPS PAX
18: Spanish Channel
20: Spanish Channel
25: Educational

Title: Re: What does this mean?
Post by: TheRolyPoly on July 03, 2008, 04:29:41 PM

Which CW:
Where you live or San Francisco, CA?

Title: Re: What does this mean?
Post by: Tyler on July 03, 2008, 04:30:28 PM

Syndication... that's exactly the reason you're seeing it. Should of been more clear in my post above.

Title: Re: What does this mean?
Post by: ABC7 on July 03, 2008, 04:44:40 PM

Carmel, CA.

I think it is SF's CW. I don't think I have a more local CW affiliate,

KTVU is only showing infomercials. Comcast needs to take it and KICU off my channel listings;

Title: Re: What does this mean?
Post by: TheRolyPoly on July 03, 2008, 04:50:38 PM

You do have a local CW affliate, but it's on KION-DT2 (Central Coast CW)

San Francisco, CA:
KBCW (The CW, 44/Cable 12)

Title: Re: What does this mean?
Post by: ABC7 on July 03, 2008, 06:43:43 PM

Got it, it's just not an analog channel.

Title: Re: What does this mean?
Post by: TheRolyPoly on July 03, 2008, 06:55:17 PM

Looks like cable & satellite are the lucky ones including you

Title: Re: What does this mean?
Post by: TheRolyPoly on July 03, 2008, 07:04:46 PM

What you're trying to say is that your cable lineup is like this?:

2: KTVU FOX 2
3: KCBA FOX 35
4: KSMS Univision 67
5: KION CBS 46
6: KSBW NBC 8
7: KGO ABC 7
9: KQED 38 PBS
10: KTEH 54 PBS
11: KOTR 2 My Network TV
13: KICU 36 Ind
14: Central Coast CW
16: KKPX ION 65

Title: Re: What does this mean?
Post by: ABC7 on July 03, 2008, 07:27:45 PM

Yes, those are the local channels.

Title: Re: What does this mean?
Post by: texasstooge on July 04, 2008, 12:25:15 AM

OK, why can't they air another program instead of showing a blue screen?

Title: Re: What does this mean?
Post by: ABC7 on July 04, 2008, 12:36:26 AM

Because they can't air another program...unless they want infomercials.