KC2XAK facts for kids
| Translator of WNBT, New York, New York | |
|---|---|
| Bridgeport, Connecticut United States |
|
| Channels | Analog: 24 (UHF) |
| Programming | |
| Affiliations | NBC |
| Ownership | |
| Owner | National Broadcasting Company |
| History | |
|
First air date
|
December 29, 1949 |
|
Last air date
|
August 23, 1952 (2 years, 238 days) |
| Technical information | |
| ERP | 10 kW |
| HAAT | 450 ft (137 m) |
| Transmitter coordinates | 41°11′36″N 73°09′17″W / 41.1934302°N 73.1548329°W |
KC2XAK was a very important television station. It was the world's first TV station to use a special type of signal called UHF. It started broadcasting on December 29, 1949. This station was like a helper for WNBT (which is now WNBC) in New York City. It sent WNBT's programs to people in Bridgeport, Connecticut.
Contents
What Was Operation Bridgeport?
The launch of KC2XAK was a secret project called "Operation Bridgeport". It was a big test by two companies, RCA and NBC. They wanted to find out if UHF signals could be used for TV across the whole country. This was important because the government was planning how to set up TV stations everywhere.
This station was special because it operated during a time when the government, called the FCC, had stopped allowing new TV stations. This "freeze" lasted from October 1948 to April 1952. KC2XAK was the only new station allowed during this period.
How KC2XAK Broadcasted
The station used a powerful transmitter. It sent out signals from a tall tower. This tower was 210-foot (64 m) high and stood on top of Success Hill. It was 450 feet (140 m) above the ground around it. This setup allowed the station to send its signal far and wide.
Why KC2XAK Was a Success
"Operation Bridgeport" was a big success! It proved that UHF broadcasting worked well. Because of this test, UHF became a key part of the FCC's plan for new TV stations in the early 1950s.
KC2XAK stopped broadcasting on August 23, 1952. This was a few months after the government's "freeze" on new TV stations ended. So, KC2XAK was not only the first UHF TV station in the United States, but it was also the only one for several years.
KC2XAK's Equipment Lives On
After KC2XAK shut down, its broadcasting equipment was bought by another company. The equipment was carefully taken apart in Bridgeport. Then, it was shipped by truck and train all the way to Portland, Oregon.
The equipment was put back together in Portland. It was used for a new TV station called KPTV. KPTV became the first full-power commercial UHF TV station in the country. KPTV used KC2XAK's old transmitter for five years. Today, Bridgeport still gets TV signals over-the-air from New York City stations, including WNBC.
