Video: KOMO tower's growth spurt | Community Spirit

KOMO's broadcast tower received a brand new digital antenna this week, replacing the old analogue antenna at the top of the tower.

After two years worth of planning, crews worked diligently to mount a digital antenna that will boost KOMO's signal, giving viewers in the northwest a better shot at receiving a clear picture.

But a clear picture isn't all KOMO devotees will receive. Future mobile handheld devices that come with TV watching capabilities will too benefit from the stronger signal.

Chief Engineer John Barrett said the goal is to amplify the signal to "a million watts," and said KOMO's tower will be the first to have the specialized vertical polarization needed for the handheld devices.

Fifteen days ahead of schedule and ready to flip the switch, Mr. Barrett also said it might be awhile before other television stations start to follow suit with their towers.

Crews will continue to climb the tower for the next few weeks. Work is expected to be completed around March 1st.