Progress on Denver Lookout Mtn project

[Jim Thomas]

I am sure most here are aware of the delay of the DT tower construction for Denver's major network stations. I thought I would bring anyone interested up to speed with a photo.

The tower has not started yet. In the picture is construction of the building that will house the transmitters and technical offices for KCNC-DT 4, KMGH-DT 7, KUSA-DT 9, and KTVD-DT 20. This photo was taken this past weekend (11-03-07) by a colleague in Golden. One can also see the guy wires for other towers currently on Lookout Mountain, which is just west (slightly north) of Golden, Colorado.

***An added edited note: Most of the engineers in Denver are saying now that it might be possible that by this time next year, Denver will have FULL POWER dtv's from Lookout Mtn.

Enjoy!

[Jim Thomas]

Here is the Lookout Mtn. tower project update. As of 1-05-08, the tower construction is in full swing. I was contacted by the CE of KCNC about two weeks ago, informing me that the *unofficial* target date for completion is now May 18, 2008.

I have attached a photo taken 1-05-08, courtesy of KUSA 9.

If you're interested in watching their video of the project, which aired on Saturday evening (5th), here is the link:
http://www.9news.com/video/player.aspx?aid=46516&bw=

You need Windows Media Player in your computer to view it from KUSA's website.

[Jim Thomas]

Update 2-05-08

According to KUSA 9 Denver latest report, the Lookout Mountain tower is complete and all that remains is the completion of electrical work, the moving of any equipment from Republic Plaza that might be necessary at the tower site, plus complete hookup and testing of the equipment. The reduced power of digital channels 4, 7, 9, & 20 will remain until the switch to the new tower.

***As of this writing, there is no technical equipment in the base building. The 'move-in' is about three weeks out. Once warmer weather arrives, the landscaping work will be completed.

I have attached some very recent pictures that were posted on the HDTV Colorado website. If you care to read more, follow the link here:
http://www.hdtvcolorado.com/


Quotes for each attached picture from the HDTV Colorado website:

1. Nearly complete, the 21st Century consolidated tower will replace four existing broadcast towers that will be taken down after the transition to all-digital transmissions has taken place.

2. The base building near the foot of the consolidated tower is now completely enclosed. One-half of the building is below grade to lower its profile on the mountain.

3. This underground tunnel connects the base building with the tower. Transmission lines in the tunnel will carry television signals from the transmitters in the base building to the tower.

[Jim Thomas]

Lookout Mountain project makes national news in Broadcasting & Cable magazine online edition, March 10th.....

http://www.broadcastingcable.com/article/CA6539708.html

[Jim Thomas]

As of this morning, Sunday May 11th, all of the Lookout Mountain stations mentioned above finally got to turn on their signals from the new tower. All are still on reduced power, but viewers in northern Colorado and central Colorado (as far out as 60 miles), are reporting on the AVS Forum being able to see all of the dtv Denver network channels for the first time ever.