A video controller selects a channel for premises broadcasting to a premises television based on a fast scan of signal strength in channels available over a premises media. The signal strength of certain filtered channel frequencies can be evaluated to determine if a channel is occupied. Unoccupied channels can be ranked in relation to nearby occupied or unoccupied channels. The nearby channels may be ranked in terms of the signal strength content in relation to the channel being evaluated. The video controller can select an unoccupied channel with an optimal ranking to permit premises broadcasting with reduced interference or conflict with other channels.