CRANK IT UP! NASCAR ON YOUR FOX 21/27 has begun as we race toward the NASCAR on FOX SPRINT CUP CHASE!! The biggest sporting events are on FOX!The FOX 21/27 Ten O'Clock News - It's news from YOUR towns, YOUR cities -- at a time that's more convenient for you! All an hour earlier! It's YOUR FOX 21/27 Ten O'Clock News!DREAM BIG! American Idol is back on YOUR FOX 21/27 on Tuesdays and Wednesdays!!LAUGH OUT LOUD on YOUR FOX 21/27 weeknights beginning at 6 with Everybody Loves Raymond, The King of Queens at 6:30, and then it's two and a half times the laughs with Two And A Half Men at 7 and 7:30! LOL on YOUR FOX 21/27!

O'Charley's

FOX 21/27 Information

Station Information

Cable Information

ADELPHIA COMMUNICATIONS: Buena Vista 9; Dublin 8; Halifax 8; Hot Springs 2; Independence 9; Asbury, WV 8; Fort Spring, WV 8

CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS : Bedford 8; Christiansburg 8; Pearisburg 11; Petersburg 11

CHATMOSS: Danville 8

CITIZENS CABLEVISION: Floyd 2; Newcastle 12

COMCAST CABLE: Alta Vista 8; Amherst 8; Danville 8; Goshen 8; Lexington 8; Lynchburg 8; Martinsville 8; Pulaski 8; Salem 8; South Boston 8; Troutville 8

COX COMMUNICATIONS: Roanoke 8; Vinton 8

D&J CABLE: Bland 13

GILES CRAIG CABLE: Giles 8

HIGHLAND COUNTY CABLE: Monterey 12

JET BROADBAND: Appomattox 8; Lynchburg 8

MILESTONE COMMUNICATIONS: Durbin, WV 8

NTELOS CABLE: Clifton Forge 8; Covington 8; Troutville 8

RAPID: Wytheville 11

RURAL RETREAT CABLE: Rural Retreat 8

SUDDENLINK: Buchanan 8; Narrows 11; Radford 8, Redwood 8; Rocky Mount 8

TIME WARNER: Fort Chiswell 2; Beckly, WV 8; Bluefield, WV 8; White Sulphur Springs 8;

 

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Employment

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Engineering Q&A

This is the initial offering, so the FAQ list is rather short. The following are some of the viewer questions we receive. If your question is not addressed here, e-mail us at engineering@fox2127.com. We will respond to you directly, as well as add your question to our FAQs during the next update.

Do you broadcast in stereo?
Yes, we do transmit in stereo audio. In fact, we are one of the market's only stations that broadcasts in surround sound even!

If I get one of those new, small dishes will I need to keep my antenna?
Yes, you will need to keep your outdoor antenna if you do not subscribe to the new local channels package on Direct TV, or Dish Network/Echostar. Fox 21/27 is now available on both of these satellite services for an additional monthly charge, and can be added to your current subscription package. If you choose not to subscribe to the Direct TV, or Dish Network/Echostar local channel package, our programming is always available over the air using a UHF Antenna.

I used to get your channel but just recently I stopped getting it at all.
This is a common complaint after power failures. Many TVs are shipped with factory defaults set up for cable reception. With the TV receiver in the cable reception mode, channels are NOT tuned to the same frequency as the broadcast channels. Cable systems have an alternate channel frequency which is actually in the VHF band, while we are in the UHF band. To correct this problem, look up the directions in your owner's manual that came with the TV. You will have a menu option that allows you to switch your tuner back to standard broadcast reception. Some earlier model TVs have a switch to change between cable and normal reception. These switches often get changed accidentally while cleaning.

I used to receive your channel very clear, but now it's snowy.
If you are on cable, you should contact your cable provider. If you have an antenna system, there are several possible problems. Your antenna may have been damaged in a storm or turned in high winds. The cable leading from your antenna may have been damaged. If you are unable to determine a problem with your antenna system, call one of our engineers during regular business hours. We don't always have more answers, but we'll be happy to try to help point you in the right direction.

How can I improve my reception of your station.
Depending on your location, or distance from our transmitters, you may be able to improve reception by installing an outside UHF antenna. Your choice of antennas is directly related to your location. The greater the distance from the transmitters, the larger the antenna needs to be. Fox 21/27 broadcasts in the UHF television band, and this should be a consideration when selecting an antenna. The channel 27 transmitter is located on Poor Mountain, which is in the West Salem / Bent Mountain Va. area. The channel 21 transmitter is located approximately 10 miles west of Bedford Va. Contact your local antenna installer, or our engineering department for more info on this topic. In closing, we strongly recommend that you observe Article 810 of the National Electrical Code, ANSI/NFPSA 70, regarding proper antenna installation, lightning protection, and grounding. If you are interested in professional installation, we have listed some Roanoke area firms that can accommodate you. We have also included the following web links for further information on antenna selection and installation.

  • http://www.tvantenna.com/support/tutorials/uhf.html
  • http://www.antennaweb.org/aw/faq.asp
  • http://www.antennaweb.org/aw/address.asp
  • http://doityourself.com/electric/tvanten.htm

Roanoke area antenna installation, sales, and service companies:

  • ACS Home Entertainment Gallery (540) 982-7833
  • Master TV, Appliance, Satellite (540) 343-1543

Can I receive your station on my satellite dish?
Yes you can!! Fox 21/27 is now available on satellite, and can be received on either the Direct TV, or Dish Network/Echostar local channels package.

How do I apply for a waiver for my satellite company?
Fox 21/27 no longer grants waivers due to the availability of our programming on the Direct TV, or Dish Network/Echostar local channels package.

If you have any more questions, please email us at: engineering@fox2127.com

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Meet the Founder

Milton Grant grew up in radio and television in Washington, D.C. He had extensive experience in all areas of the business, including talent, sales, news, programming, general management, finance and ownership.

Mr. Grant served in World War II, with distinction, in the O.S.S., the Office of Strategic Services of the United States Army, in North Africa and Italy, for three years.

Grant attended New York University, where he received a B.A. degree in Economics and English. He began his broadcast career while at NYU as the News Director of WNYC in New York City. Following graduation, he became an announcer for WARN in Scranton, Pennsylvania. Later, Mr. Grant went to Washington, D.C. to work for WTOP radio. He innovatively created Washington's first and only radio network with his radio show carried simultaneously on stations WINX, WOL, WAVA, and WPGC. He was also featured on WWDC.

During the 1950's, Mr. Grant created and produced, "The Milt Grant Show". This was one of America’s first teen-oriented dance and variety programs. It aired seven days a week “at 5[pm] on 5” (WTTG, Channel 5 in Washington, D.C.). The program was live. For much of its time it was Washington D.C.'s most popular program. It is still fondly remembered by Washingtonians and ex-Washingtonians of a certain age today. You can find clips of the show on the internet.

In the 1960's when UHF frequencies (channels 14-82) became available, Grant founded the Capitol Broadcasting Corporation, which was licensed to operate WDCA-TV, channel 20, in Washington, D.C. The station began in 1966 with Mr. Grant as President and Chief Executive Officer. The station was sold in 1969 to the Superior Tube Company. Yet, Grant continued as President and Chief Executive Officer until 1980, when the station was sold to Taft Broadcasting.

In 1980, Milton Grant joined with a group of Houston, Texas investors to build KTXA-TV, channel 21 in Dallas, Texas, and later KTXH-TV, channel 20 in Houston, Texas. Both stations proved to be instant successes. KTXH-TV, “Twentyvision”, became the number one independent station in its market within its first year on the air surpassing well-established stations owned by then media giants Metromedia and Gaylord. Success led to their sale to Gulf Broadcasting in January 1985 for $175,000,000 at a record multiple.

While preparing the sale of the two stations, Grant built WBFS-TV, channel 33 in Miami, Florida. Then in one year he added WGBS, channel 57 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania followed by WGBO-TV, channel 66 in Chicago, Illinois. Each of these stations continues to operate successfully today under different ownership.

Mr. Grant’s next venture was the development of a new group of television stations. On March 29, 1990, WZDX-TV, channel 54 in Huntsville, Alabama became the first station. On September 1, 1991, Mr. Grant added a second station, KLJB, channel 18 in Davenport, Iowa. Continuing the growth, Milton Grant added WFXR-TV and WJPR-TV in Roanoke-Lynchburg, Virginia on September 15, 1993. Three years later, he increased the number of stations by purchasing KJMH-TV in Burlington, Iowa. This station was later renamed KGWB and then KGCW. On May 15, 1996 WLAX/WEUX-TV in LaCrosse-Eau Claire, Wisconsin became part of the group. On October 24, 1996 WNYB-TV, Buffalo, NY was acquired and renamed WNYO-TV.

In 2001, WNYO-TV, which was purchased for $10,000,000 in 1996 was sold to Sinclair broadcasting for $50,000,000.

The remaining stations continue to operate as a group under management brought together by Grant. There are four Fox affiliated stations, two CW affiliated stations and a myNetworkTV affiliated station. The Fox stations often are market leaders in primetime among Adults under 50 years of age. Their success is a part of Mr. Grant’s continuing legacy to the industry.  
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Press Releases

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: MAY 8, 2008

FOX SETS NEW NETWORK RECORD, WINS 17TH CONSECUTIVE “IN SEASON” WEEK - MOST OF ANY NETWORK IN OVER A DECADE

Network Wins Week in all Key Demos; “HOUSE” and “AMERICAN IDOL” Highlight Week; “HELL’S KITCHEN” Reaches Highest P2+ Number Ever

FOX set a new network record by winning a 17th consecutive week during the broadcast season among Adults 18-49. This also marks the first time a network has won 17 consecutive weeks in-season since NBC won 27 consecutive weeks over a decade ago (1995-1996). The week was highlighted by HELL’S KITCHEN, which hit “highest ever” P2+ numbers, the return of HOUSE to set a Monday mark, and winning performances by AMERICAN IDOL, BACK TO YOU and ‘TIL DEATH. Saturday’s NASCAR Richmond 400 was also a nightly winner.

Season-to-date
Compared to the same weeks of the 06/07 season (9/18/06-5/6/07), FOX is up +5% among Adults 18-49 (4.2/11 vs. 4.0/11) and up +9% among Total Viewers (11.2 vs. 10.3 Mil).  Excluding this year’s Super Bowl, FOX is even among Adults 18-49 (4.0/11 vs. 4.0/11) and up +3% among Total Viewers (10.6 vs. 10.3 Mil). Among Adults 18-49: ABC (-14%), CBS (-21%), NBC (-6%) and the CW (-23%) are down.

Program Rankers
FOX had 5 of the Top 20 programs among Adults 18-49: AMERICAN IDOL TUE (No. 1), AMERICAN IDOL WED (No. 2), HOUSE (No. 5), HELL’S KITCHEN (No. 6) and FAMILY GUY (No. 17).

FOX had 9 of the Top 20 programs among Adults 18-34: AMERICAN IDOL TUE (No. 1), AMERICAN IDOL WED (No. 2), FAMILY GUY (No. 4 tie), HOUSE (No. 4 tie), HELL’S KITCHEN (No. 8), AMERICAN DAD (No. 10), THE SIMPSONS (No. 11), KING OF THE HILL (No. 14) and BONES (No. 20).

FOX had 10 of the Top 20 programs among Teens: AMERICAN IDOL TUE (No. 1), AMERICAN IDOL WED (No. 2), FAMILY GUY (No. 3), AMERICAN DAD (No. 4), HELL’S KITCHEN (No. 5), HOUSE (No. 7), KING OF THE HILL (No. 8), THE SIMPSONS (No. 9), BONES (No. 10) and DON’T FORGET THE LYRICS (No. 16).

FOX had 4 of the Top 20 programs among Total Viewers: AMERICAN IDOL TUE (No. 1), AMERICAN IDOL WED (No. 2), HOUSE (No. 9) and HELL’S KITCHEN (No. 16).


FOX 21/27 Press Release Archive

 

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Production Page

Production with FOX21-FOX27

Advertise your product or service with a television commercial on FOX21-FOX27!!!

Put your marketing efforts on video to reach more potential clients in less time!

Imagine - your training procedures on video - save time training new employees!

Or use a video to demonstrate your product!

There is no better way to reach prospective customers or distributors!

Award winning production of:

Commercials & Public Service Announcements, Corporate Training & Safety Videos, Marketing and Fundraising Videos for Business.

Our full service staff offers services including:

A free consultation at your place of business.We'll work with you to design a concept and a completed script that meets your objectives.

Licensed Music & Professional Announcers.

Call today for a free consultation and estimate on your idea!

You'll be surprised at how cost-effective our services can be!

Contact the Production Department: production@fox2127.com

 

 

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Sales Information

There is no sales information at this time. Please check back. Thank you!

For advertising information please contact sales@fox2127.com.

 

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Digital TV Info

Why switch to Digital Television?
We will now look at some of the reasons for the switch to Digital Television. The digital format has some new and exciting features that are not possible using the old Analog format currently in use. The new format has many different aspects, which we will now briefly discuss. The digital format can be used for High Definition, Multicasting, Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound, on screen program guides, and Interactive computer data. I will define these unfamiliar terms in more detail at the end of this page. There are also other possible uses that have not even been conceived as of this writing.

More good reasons to Switch to Digital
Another often overlooked aspect of the digital conversion deals with the radio spectrum itself. The great demand for new consumer and commercial wireless radio devices such as Cell Phones, consumer and industrial devices, public safety groups such as police, fire and other public service needs are placing new stress on the somewhat limited radio spectrum. The radio spectrum itself is a finite public resource and there is only so much of it available. The Governments plan is to reclaim some of the current broadcast frequencies, and re-allocate them to these other vital services. The switch to Digital Television will make this change possible. Digital channels can be placed closer together due to the nature of the Digital signal itself, which will free up a large portion of the VHF and UHF spectrum below VHF channel 7 and above UHF channel 51. This has already been done on a smaller scale with the advent of the Cell Phone. Part of the current cellular radio spectrum includes the old UHF channels 81 thru 83.

Definition and Aspect Ratio Defined
This seems like the proper time to define the term DEFINITION and ASPECT RATIO as it applies to Digital Television. First let's discuss how pictures are formed on a TV screen. The picture is formed by scanning the picture tube with an electron beam across the tube face from side to side. This is done at 60 times per second scanning 525 horizontal lines, but only every other line is scanned on the first pass, and then the rest of the lines on the second pass. This is known as (INTERLACED) SCANNING, which looses some picture quality in the process. A new method used in HDTV is called (PROGRESSIVE) SCANNING where all horizontal lines are scanned in succession, which adds to the picture quality. Both formats are used in Digital TV, but the progressive format gives us better picture quality.

  • 480 I (INTERLACED) 704 x 480
  • 480 P (PROGRESSIVE) 704 x 480
  • 720 P (PROGRESSIVE) 1280 x 720
  • 1080 I (INTERLACED) 1920 x 1080
  • 1080 P (PROGRESSIVE) 1920 x 1080

Now lets look at ASPECT RATIO as it applies to Digital TV. This can be expressed in terms of the top width of the picture compared to the side height of the picture, and is taken from the movie theatre widescreen format which better suits our field of vision. This can best be shown by the following illustrations.

  • 704 x 480 (4 x 3) ratio
  • 704 x 480 (4 x 3)
  • ratio overlay on 16 x 9
  • 1920 x 1080 (16 x 9) ratio full

What do I need to receive Digital TV?
The consumer market for Digital/High Definition receiving equipment can be described as confusing at the very least!! There are lots of people selling equipment today who do not seem to completely understand the technology themselves. There are several different methods and types of equipment available for receiving Digital/High Definition television. Did you know that there cannot be High Definition television without Digital, but there can be Digital without High Definition!! Are you even more confused now? This is an example of how confusing the NEW TELEVISION OF THE FUTURE can be. Now lets look at some of the types of receiving and viewing equipment available, and how they are configured.

We will look first at the analog TV set, which you likely already have. If you are in the market for a new TV set, you will probably want to avoid these.

Next there is the Digital Capable set, or SDTV (STANDARD DEFINITION), which can tune analog and digital signals, but the display is limited to 4 x 3 standard definition. This could be considered as a low-end, entry-level digital set, as they don't offer access to all of the features of Digital television.

Next there is the High Definition capable set. These sets are very similar to a computer monitor, and are able to display 1080p/ progressive scan picture in the 16 x 9 aspect ratio. Some models may have analog tuners built in. You may need to purchase a separate Digital receiver with this type of set.

The last type is known as an Integrated HDTV set These sets normally have built in Analog and Digital tuners that can receive broadcast Analog and HDTV signals. These tuners are integrated into a 16 x 9 capable video display that is HDTV (High Definition) capable. My opinion on this option is that given how fast technology changes, it may be a better option to choose a High Definition capable set with a stand alone (separate) tuner/receiver. You may not want to buy a set with an integrated tuner that could become obsolete at some point in the future due to new features that may become available to Digital TV viewers and broadcasters. Since Digital TV is basically computer coding sent on a transmitted TV signal, it could be compared to the computer industries evolution, which changes very rapidly.

What equipment type is right for me?
There are several different types of receiving / viewing configurations available now. In addition to the ones described above, you can also receive Digital HDTV delivered by satellite. Some of these satellite receivers even include an integrated tuner that can receive over the air broadcast Digital and HDTV. If you receive satellite programming, you may have the option to purchase a satellite receiver with this capability. If you choose to receive over the air broadcast Digital and HDTV using any of the options discussed so far, you will still need a somewhat forgotten, but essential piece of hardware, and that is the Roof top receiving antenna designed for the UHF TV band. A large majority of Digital broadcasting will be done in the UHF TV band, and with the proper outdoor UHF antenna, you can receive crisp, clear TV signals that will be free from interference. Visit the web links below for more information on proper antenna selection and installation.

  • http://www.tvantenna.com/support/tutorials/uhf.html
  • http://www.antennaweb.org/aw/faq.asp
  • http://doityourself.com/electric/tvanten.htm

What if local laws prevent me from erecting an antenna?
The FCC rule (47 C.F.R. Section 1.4000) has been in effect since October 1996, and it prohibits restrictions that impair the installation, maintenance or use of antennas used to receive video programming. The rule applies to video antennas including direct-to-home satellite dishes that are less than one meter (39.37") in diameter (or of any size in Alaska), TV antennas, and wireless cable antennas. The rule prohibits most restrictions that: (1) unreasonably delay or prevent installation, maintenance or use; (2) unreasonably increase the cost of installation, maintenance or use; or (3) preclude reception of an acceptable quality signal. For more information on this topic, and to read the complete ruling, please visit the following FCC website.

  • http://www.fcc.gov/mb/facts/otard.html

What about audio sound quality?
This is another area where Digital TV offers even more options. Digital TV allows broadcasters to offer DVD/CD quality, audio. DOLBY DIGITAL 5.1 surround sound is also possible with Digital and HDTV. When your receiver is properly connected to a compatible audio/video receiver system, you can have the home theater audio experience directly from broadcast TV. Even if you don't have an audio/video receiver, you can still interface an older style stereo audio receiver with Digital TV receivers, which will give you basic 2 channel stereo TV sound.

Does FOX 21/27 broadcast Digital TV?
Yes, we do broadcast Digital TV. As a matter of fact the Old WB5 channel was the first Digital channel on the air in the Roanoke and Lynchburg market. April of 2002 was the sign on date for that channel 20 transmitter (21-1 and 21-2). It is located approximately 10 miles from Bedford, Virginia. We are also broadcasting digital TV from our Poor Mountain site as well. We are broadcasting a full power signal on Digital Channel 17 (27-1 and 27-2). Both of these transmitters carry the FOX and the CW network programming simultaneously. We are proud to present the new CW network to our viewers, and we hope you enjoy the new lineup of the best programming from the old UPN and WB networks, as they have joined forces to form the new CW network.

How is the HD programming on your transmitters?

The programming arrangement for the transmitters is as follows, From the Poor Mountain transmitters you will find Fox analog on channel 27, and on digital you will find selected FOX programming in High Definition in the 720 P format when available, and the CW network in Standard Definition. From the Bedford transmitters you will find the FOX programming on channel 21 analog, and on digital you will find the CW network in High Definition in the 1080 I format, and the FOX programming in Standard Definition.

Where can I learn more?
This information is only intended as an introduction to Digital and HDTV. You should research this subject further before you lay down hard earned money for a Digital TV system. The surest way to get the most for your money is gain ample knowledge about Digital TV before you buy equipment. There seems to be an almost unlimited amount of information available in print, and on the Internet about this subject. Please check out the following web links below for more information on the subject of Digital and HDTV.

  • http://entertainment.howstuffworks.com/dtv.htm
  • http://www.hdtvinfoport.com
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Definition of terms used above:
Digital Television - A new TV broadcasting method utilizing computer coding of the picture and sound to produce greatly enhanced audio and video. High Definition - A method of including nearly twice as much picture information (data) onto a broadcast TV signal, which enhances the displayed picture. Analog - A 50-year-old method of broadcasting TV signals. The picture portion of an analog broadcast TV signal employs Amplitude Modulation, which creates fluctuations in color, intensity and brightness to form a picture. Multicasting - Digital TV broadcasts are able to contain multiple video and audio streams (sub-channels), on one standard TV channel so broadcasters can transmit multiple programs simultaneously. Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound - This is a 5.1-channel sound system., also known simply as Dolby Digital, and it can deliver DVD/CD-quality digital audio, and provides five individual channels for front left, front right, urround left and surround right, and center. Also included is a low range subwoofer channel for a total of 5.1 audio channels. On screen program guides - These are Channel guides that provide times, dates, parental program ratings and other programming information. Interactive computer data - Information such as web links for online program guides, or for obtaining more information about a certain show or program, and other various uses. Definition - The amount of information a video display is capable of showing, or the amount of picture information contained in a video signal. Aspect Ratio - Expressed in terms of the width of the picture, compared to the height of the picture. This creates the aspect ratio of the viewed picture. Digital Capable set - Can tune analog and digital signals, but the display is limited to 4 x 3 standard definition High Definition capable set - TV sets that are able to display 1080p/ progressive scan pictures in the 16 x 9 aspect ratio. This normally includes Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound also. This type of set may require a separate tuner. Integrated HDTV set - These sets normally have built in Analog and Digital tuners that can receive broadcast Analog and HDTV signals. Resolution - The ratio between the horizontal and vertical scanning lines of a TV picture or TV set. Interlaced scanning - An old method of producing a TV picture, where as every other horizontal line is scanned on the picture tube, and then remaining lines are scanned. This scanning method degrades the picture quality a certain degree. Progressive scanning - A method of producing a TV picture where every line is scanned in succession on the picture tube. This scanning method enhances the picture quality a certain degree.