ABSTRACT
Boosters differ from translators in that they retransmit the received station on the same frequency modulation (FM) channel. A translator or booster generally occupies less space, gives off less heat and requires fewer visits than a main transmitter, therefore the shelter needed can be smaller and significantly less elaborate than a main transmitter site. FM translators have been used to carry the high definition -2 programming of a primary FM station within that station's coverage contour. The Federal Communications Commission sanctioned these stations provided there was no financial connection between the translator station licensees and the full-service stations they carried. In certain situations, the licensees of full-service stations, both FM and amplitude modulation (AM) are permitted by the FCC to use translators to fill in areas where terrain blocks predicted service contours of FM stations or to provide an FM signal to augment AM coverage.
