TV Channel Frequency Allocation (VHF and UHF)

This document outlines the frequencies allocated to TV channels, specifically covering VHF and UHF channels from channel 2 through channel 69. These channels occupy the radio frequency (RF) band from 54 to 806 MHz. This entire spectrum is divided into a total of 68 TV channels.

Each TV channel is assigned a bandwidth of 6 MHz. To determine the picture carrier frequency, you add 1.25 MHz to the lower frequency of the channel’s range. To calculate the sound carrier frequency, you add 4.5 MHz to the picture carrier frequency you just calculated.

For instance, let’s take channel 6, which operates between 82 and 88 MHz:

• Picture carrier = 82 + 1.25 = 83.25 MHz
• Sound carrier = 83.25 + 4.5 = 87.75 MHz

The following table lists the TV channel frequencies in MHz for all the specified TV channels:

Conclusion

TV broadcasting utilizes both Very High Frequency (VHF) and Ultra High Frequency (UHF) bands to deliver content over the air. VHF channels (2–13) operate within the 54–216 MHz range, offering longer transmission distances but being more susceptible to interference. UHF channels (14–69), spanning 470–806 MHz, provide higher bandwidth, better signal quality, and support for modern digital broadcasting technologies. The transition to digital TV has reallocated some UHF frequencies for wireless services, but both VHF and UHF remain crucial for over-the-air broadcasting, ensuring broad accessibility to television content across different regions. Understanding these frequency allocations is essential for optimizing antenna selection and improving TV reception.