TechnoBabble

As we get closer to February 17, 2009, things are ramping up fairly quickly now.

In response to a request made by FCC Commissioner Jonathan Adelstein to ION Media Networks to organize a DTV Transition testing campaign across the country, ION, along with NBC Universal, Telemundo, and members of the Association of Public Television Stations, will spearhead DTV "soft tests" or analog shut-off tests in major markets, including New York, Los Angeles, Washington DC, and Hartford, CT.

The test will begin in New York City, with a two-minute shutdown between 5:59 and 6:01 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 28 and then for one minute will take place in Los Angeles and Washington DC on Tuesday, Dec. 2, and two 30-minute tests in Hartford on Wednesday, Dec. 3. These broadcasters are already participating in existing tests being conducted across the country.

We here at FOX8 WGHP have been independently and collectively with other stations doing these "soft tests"  and will continue doing them for one minute during various newscasts of the day on every 17th of the month until the transition on February 17th, 2009 so you can check your readiness for the DTV Transition.

The bottom line is the industry and the government is ramping up efforts to be sure you, the public, is fully aware of what is coming and what you need to do to be ready. Again, if you have cable or satellite, those providers will take care of the transition for you. You will need to do nothing. Any TV's you have that are connected to an antenna of any kind, will need to be digital ready by either having a new digital TV or an analog to digital converter box. You can contact the government at 888-388-2009 or http://www.dtv2009.gov for up to two $40 each coupons to help defray the cost of the $60 converter boxes. Other questions can be answer by calling 888-CALL-FCC or http://www.dtv.gov or for local questions, you can call 336-821-1144 here at the station and we will try and answer your questions the best we can. or http://media.myfoxwghp.com/special/head/DTV/index.html


Are you DTV Ready?