The FCC Proof of Performance test requirements are specified in CFR 47 part 76. Included are the basic measurement requirements, performance requirements, number of channels each test need to be conducted upon, how frequently they need to be conducted and where in the cable system the tests need to take place.

Who must run the tests?

All systems with 1000 or more subscribers.

When do the tests need to be run?

The RF Proof tests need to be conducted "at least twice each calendar year (at intervals not to exceed seven months)". The "24 hour" tests "shall be measured and recorded , along with the date and time of the measurement, once every six hours (at intervals of not less than five hours nor more than seven hours after the previous measurement), to include the warmest and the coldest times, during a 24 hour period in January or February and in July or August". The 24 hour test is the only one required during those particular months, but it is prudent to do the full set of tests all at once.

How many channels need to be tested?

Many tests are required on all "NTSC or similar video channels" of the system. Other tests are required "a minimum of four (4) channels plus one additional channel for every 100 MHz, or fraction thereof, of cable distribution system upper frequency limit (e.g. 5 channels for cable system upper frequency limit of 101 to 216 MHz; 6 channels for cable television systems with a cable distribution system upper frequency limit of 217-300 MHz; 7 channels for cable television systems with a cable distribution upper frequency to 300 to 400 MHz, etc.)." All channels are required to meet all of the technical standards, but to be in compliance with the FCC rules, you only need to demonstrate "proof of performance" on a sampling of the channels.

How many test sites do we need?

For systems from 1000 to 12,500 subscribers, tests "...... shall include measurements taken at six (6) widely separated points. However, within each cable system, one additional test point shall be added for every additional 12,500 subscribers or fraction thereof (e.g., 7 test points if 12,501 to 25,000 subscribers, .... etc.). "

Where, in the system, are the tests conducted?

Test points "shall be balanced to represent all geographic areas served by the cable system. At least one-third of the test points shall be representative of subscriber terminals most distant from the system input and from each microwave receiver (if microwave transmissions are employed), in terms of cable length". Some measurements are required to be measured "at the end of a 30 meter (100 foot) cable drop that is connected to the subscriber tap"

All of the information in the section on RF Proof of Performance apply to the Color Tests as well, except for differences noted here.

When do the tests need to be run?

The color tests (Chrominance to Luminance Delay Inequality, Differential Gain, and Differential Phase), need to be conducted at least triennially (once every three years).

Where, in the system, are the tests conducted?

All of the Color tests required can be completed within the headend.

The deadline for station election is September 30th, 2011.

Did you know that Technology Planners can negotiate your off-air retransmission consent? We work with a wide range of clients, and have a great vantage point for the field of retransmission consent costs. We also have the ability to "bulk negotiate" with stations, to increase the number of subscribers we can leverage. This equals cheaper rates for your system than if you negotiate separately!

The FCC has released a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) regarding retransmission consents. The commission is looking for comments from the public for any revisions or additions to the NPRM. Since the effects of this NPRM could impact the impending retransmission negotiations we will monitor this process and provide updates as it progresses.

NPRM03-3-11 Retransmission Consent