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if i understand what y'all are saying about the virtual channel numbers, it means that for example, 9.1, 9.2, and 9.3 could be being transmitted from different transmitters.
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No, only one transmitter is used to broadcast a group of virtual channels. A given broadcast commonly has from 1 to 5 virtual channels imbedded in the data stream, but in theory, there can be even more virtual channels carried by a "REAL" channel.
If you have cable or DSL internet service, you already use the concept of virtual channels. You have one "REAL" internet connection, but it can serve several computers, each with several web browsers active at the same time. The television station is able to send more than one data stream (representing video/audio or even data) in the available bandwidth of their "REAL" channel.
Again, as has already been said, TV Fool's purpose is primarily aimed at helping you receive the "REAL" signal regardless of how many data streams (virtual channels) are encoded by the broadcaster.
As you look at your TV Fool report, focus on the "real" channel number, it represents a real transmitter. It also guides you in selecting the correct antenna because the antenna has no awareness of virtual channel numbers nor any sensitivity to modulation type (analog or digital). Antennas are designed and built with a real range of frequencies in mind. There are three separate ranges in use here in North America, Low-VHF (real CH-2 through 6), High-VHF (real CH-7 through 13) and UHF (real CH-14 and higher).