en-us Sat, 27 Jun 2026 15:53:03 +0200 60 http://www.michaelstractors.com/forum/ Michael's Tractors (Simplicity and Allis Chalmers Garden Tractors) http://www.michaelstractors.com/forum/http://www.MichaelsTractors.com/forum/default.asp http://www.michaelstractors.com/forum/images/oxlerss.gif 144 47 http://www.michaelstractors.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=10365 simply yakkin Mon, 15 Jun 2026 23:18:09 +0200 http://www.michaelstractors.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=10365
Subject: Protecting Accessible, Free, and Infrastructure-Independent Broadcast Television in the ATSC 3.0 Transition

Broadcast television has historically provided a uniquely important public service: a universally accessible, infrastructure-independent form of media that requires no subscription, no authentication, and no reliance on external networks. This simplicity is not accidental—it is a core feature of broadcasting and a key reason it has served the public interest for decades.
As the Commission considers the ongoing transition to ATSC 3.0, I respectfully urge that this fundamental character of broadcast television be preserved.

1. Preserve Simple, Infrastructure-Independent Access
Over-the-air television has always allowed any consumer to receive programming using basic equipment, without reliance on broadband connectivity or complex device ecosystems. This simplicity ensures:

Access for rural and underserved communities
Availability during power or network disruptions
Equal usability regardless of income or technical sophistication

The introduction of DRM-based systems that require internet connectivity or device authentication transforms broadcast television from a passive, universally accessible service into a managed, conditional system.
Requiring internet access to receive over-the-air signals imposes a new and unnecessary dependency on private infrastructure, which is inconsistent with the traditional purpose of broadcasting.
Consumers should retain the ability to receive broadcast television:

Without internet connectivity
Without account-based authentication
Without reliance on proprietary licensing systems


2. Protect Consumer Choice and the Right to Simplicity
Technological advancement should expand options—not eliminate simpler ones.
While advanced, connected features may be appropriate as optional enhancements, they should not become mandatory requirements for basic access to broadcast signals.
Forcing consumers to adopt additional technologies—such as broadband connections, DRM authorization systems, or certified proprietary devices—effectively removes the option to remain in a simpler, more independent mode of access.
Consumers should have the freedom to choose:

A simple, direct, no#8209;network broadcast experience
Or a more advanced, connected experience

But that choice must remain voluntary. The baseline service should not require technological escalation.

3. Prevent Degradation of Free Broadcast Into Controlled Access
Broadcast television operates on publicly licensed spectrum and has historically relied on a clear and transparent model:

Free access for viewers
Supported by advertising revenue

This model aligns the interests of broadcasters and the public, ensuring broad access without direct financial barriers.
However, the introduction of DRM and controlled access systems creates the risk that broadcast television evolves toward a hybrid model combining advertising with access restrictions or fees.
This would mirror the “double monetization” model already seen in subscription television and streaming services, where consumers pay for access while still being exposed to advertising.
Allowing such practices on publicly licensed airwaves would blur the fundamental distinction between:

Free, public broadcast media
Paid, privately controlled media services

The Commission should ensure that broadcasters maintain a fully functional, free-to-access service tier that:

Does not require payment, subscription, or authorization
Does not impose restrictive DRM controls that limit access or functionality


4. Maintain the Public-Interest Character of Broadcast Spectrum
Broadcast licensees are granted access to public spectrum under the expectation that they serve the public interest.
A system that:

Requires internet access to function
Restricts which devices may receive signals
Limits traditional uses such as recording or time-shifting

raises fundamental questions about whether the service continues to meet that standard.
Broadcast television must remain:

Open and broadly accessible
Technically resilient and independent of external systems
Usable without permission from private gatekeeping entities


5. Recommended Principles for the ATSC 3.0 Transition
To preserve the public value of broadcasting, I urge the Commission to adopt the following principles:


No Internet Requirement for Basic Reception
Broadcast signals must remain fully receivable and functional without broadband connectivity.


Guaranteed Free Access Tier
Core broadcast programming must remain freely accessible without subscription, payment, or restrictive access controls.


Non-Restrictive Use Rights
Consumers should retain traditional capabilities such as recording, time-shifting, and device interoperability.


Optional, Not Mandatory Complexity
Advanced DRM or interactive features may exist, but must remain optional and must not replace the baseline service.


No Device Gatekeeping
Access to publicly broadcast signals should not be restricted to a limited set of authorized or proprietary devices.



Conclusion
Broadcast television has long functioned as a simple, reliable, and universally accessible medium. These qualities are not outdated—they are essential.
The transition to ATSC 3.0 should enhance broadcasting, not fundamentally alter its nature. Policies that introduce mandatory complexity, require internet dependency, or enable double monetization risk undermining the public value of the broadcast system.
The Commission has a critical opportunity to ensure that broadcast television remains:

Free
Open
Simple
Independent

for all consumers.]]> http://www.michaelstractors.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=10364 simply yakkin Mon, 15 Jun 2026 10:20:06 +0200 http://www.michaelstractors.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=10364

http://www.michaelstractors.com/TV/bigboy.asp



https://www.facebook.com/reel/1469245941618475]]> http://www.michaelstractors.com/forum/topic.asp?whichpage=-1&TOPIC_ID=10283&REPLY_ID=77615 Other Projects (mechanical/electrical) Mon, 15 Jun 2026 10:16:35 +0200 http://www.michaelstractors.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=10283 Quote:
Still in progress, cover still on as of today, bad wind it blows off.]]> http://www.michaelstractors.com/forum/topic.asp?whichpage=-1&TOPIC_ID=10363&REPLY_ID=77613 simply yakkin Sun, 07 Jun 2026 00:32:28 +0200 http://www.michaelstractors.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=10363 Quote:
I still drop in once and awhile. My Late brother in-law was a Simplicity dealer for many years so when I got into older lawn tractors Simplicity was the starting place. That has been many decades ago. Nice to see people stopping by.
]]> http://www.michaelstractors.com/forum/topic.asp?whichpage=-1&TOPIC_ID=10362&REPLY_ID=77609 AC / Simplicity Tractor Talk Thu, 26 Feb 2026 15:38:48 +0200 http://www.michaelstractors.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=10362 Quote:
Zippo is a good guy. Down to earth and knows how to communicate with everyday kind of people.

]]> http://www.michaelstractors.com/forum/topic.asp?whichpage=-1&TOPIC_ID=10349&REPLY_ID=77608 About this Website Tue, 13 Jan 2026 12:18:24 +0200 http://www.michaelstractors.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=10349 Quote:
Happy New Year 2026 tractor fans,

Update: I've let the site limp along another year. I've come up with a solution to keep the site cheep, but still I've not had time to fix the authorization or email subsystems. Standby as I may do that as a leap point for providing this in a Wiki form. That was my goal as I don't want to ever claim I own the information. This is just a sharing site.

Short story, I may fix the site.

Note: What prompted this post was Godaddy sent me a note they are moving this site, so it may temporarily have a blip.]]> http://www.michaelstractors.com/forum/topic.asp?whichpage=-1&TOPIC_ID=10361&REPLY_ID=77598 AC / Simplicity Tractor Talk Sat, 05 Jul 2025 11:32:02 +0200 http://www.michaelstractors.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=10361 Quote:
I did a quick google, but nothing easy for that part number. Pictures? I think I have that tractor in the boneyard, but not sure if the clutch spring is on it. Next time, I am cleaning that yard, I'll photo/look.]]> http://www.michaelstractors.com/forum/topic.asp?whichpage=-1&TOPIC_ID=10359&REPLY_ID=77589 simply yakkin Sat, 22 Feb 2025 19:28:19 +0200 http://www.michaelstractors.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=10359 Quote:
Phil,I go to those sites,plus 300/400 plus BSA & FH Fords,plus a dozen more. you remember my first name]]> http://www.michaelstractors.com/forum/topic.asp?whichpage=-1&TOPIC_ID=10273&REPLY_ID=77587 simply yakkin Tue, 18 Feb 2025 15:37:11 +0200 http://www.michaelstractors.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=10273 Quote:
I am feeling it and I'm about 10 years less. Yoga four times a week helps, but does not eliminate the pains.]]> http://www.michaelstractors.com/forum/topic.asp?whichpage=-1&TOPIC_ID=10344&REPLY_ID=77558 simply yakkin Mon, 07 Oct 2024 08:44:35 +0200 http://www.michaelstractors.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=10344 Quote:
It's alive, but looking to do something with it. Some broken stuff I don't have time to fix. Who's in can still post.]]>