About Us
 Station Information
Cable Information
COMCAST CABLE: Huntsville 8; Florence 8
KNOLOGY: Huntsville 8
MEDIACOM: Ardmore 11; Huntsville 11; Huntland, TN (TBA)
NEW HOPE TELEPHONE: New Hope 8
PCL CABLE: Athens 11; Decatur 11
CHARTER CABLE: Albertville 8; Arab 8; Athens 8; Cherokee
(TBA); Guntersville 8; Gurley (TBA); Hartselle 8; Henagar (TBA);
Leighton (TBA); Moulton (TBA); Rainsville (TBA); Russellville
8; Scottsboro 8; Skyline 8; Fayetteville (TBA); Flintville
(TBA); Pulaski (TBA)
PULASKI UTILITIES: Pulaski (TBA)
FARMERS TELECOM: Rainsville (TBA)
FAYETTEVILLE PUBLIC UTILITIES: Fayetteville 8
SCOTTSBORO ELECTRIC: Scottsboro 13
TIME WARNER: Ft. Payne 11
COLLINSVILLE CABLE: Collinsville (TBA)
Engineering Q&A
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. These satellite services can be
added to your current subscription package for an additional
monthly charge. MyWAMY is available on DirecTV, and will be available
at a later date on Dish Network. 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 and a digital set-top box or HD tuner built into your
monitor.
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. MyWAMY broadcasts digitally in
the UHF television band, and this should be a consideration when
selecting an antenna. The MyWAMY transmitter is located on Monte
Sano Mountain. 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. We have included the following web
links for further information on antenna selection and installation.
Can I receive your station on my satellite dish?
Yes you can!! MyWAMY is now available on DirecTV.
How do I apply for a waiver for my satellite company?
MyWAMY no longer grants waivers due to the availability
of our programming on satellite carriers.
Meet the Founder
Milton Grant grew up in radio and television in Washington, D.C. He has
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 a dance and variety program which aired seven days a week on WTTG, channel 5 at 5pm. The program was live and was Washington D.C.'s most popular program.
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. Grant continued in his role 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. The rapid success of both stations led to their sale to Gulf Broadcasting in January 1985 for $175,000,000.
While preparing the sale of the two stations, Grant built WBFS-TV in Miami, Florida. Continuing the momentum, Grant Broadcasting System, Inc. built WGBS, channel 57 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania followed by WGBO-TV, channel 66 in Chicago, Illinois.
The Grant Group is in the process of developing a new television stations. On March 29, 1990, WZDX-TV, channel 54 in Huntsville, Alabama became the first station of the group. 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. On May 15, 1996 WLAX/WEUX-TV in LaCrosse-Eau Claire, Wisconsin became part of the group.
Sales Information
The myWAMY Sales Departments boast the most experienced and talented sales staff in the Tennessee Valley. The combined efforts of the Sales team, Promotion team, Production team, Programming team, and the myWAMY Management team have enabled this department to consistently achieve the advertising goals of the myWAMY advertisers.
For all your advertising needs, let the professionals at myWAMY help you with your television campaign. Call (256) 533-5454 for more information. Listed below, you will find the e-mail addresses of our friendly and experienced Sales professionals.
Jim Laura
Station Manager/General Sales Manager
jim@fox54.com
Everett Lawrence
National Sales Manager
everett@fox54.com
Virginia Jackson
National Sales Assistant
virginia@fox54.com
Bill Ambrose
Local Sales Manager
bill@fox54.com
Joyce May
Sr. Account Executive
joycemay@fox54.com
Stephen Rice
Account Executive
stephen@fox54.com
Kelli Ponder
Account Executive
kelli@fox54.com
Karen Farrell
Account Executive
karen@fox54.com
Frank White
Account Executive
fmwhite@fox54.com
Michael Stone
Account Executive
michael@fox54.com
JJ Vincent
Sales Assistant
jj@fox54.com
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 54/WAMY-TV broadcast Digital TV?
Yes, we do broadcast Digital TV. As a matter of fact the WAMY channel was the
second Digital channel on the air in the Huntsville market. Our digital transmitter
is located atop Monte Sano Mountain in Huntsville, AL. We are broadcasting
a full power signal on Digital Channel 41 (54-1 and 54-2). The transmitter
carries Fox programming and MyNetworkTV programming simultaneously.
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
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.
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