NEWS/Information

Bay Area Broadcasters to Participate in Digital TV Test

ALAMEDA, Calif., October 20, 2008 – On October 21, 2008, to help viewers prepare for the federally mandated shutdown of television analog signals on February 17, 2009, nearly all of the over-the-air, full-power broadcast television stations in the Bay Area will participate in a test of readiness for the transition to digital television.

The test includes nearly all television stations from Santa Rosa to Monterey.

The test will occur simultaneously across all broadcasters’ channels at 6:15 p.m. on Tuesday, October 21, 2008, and will last at least one minute. This test will allow television audiences to see if their television set(s) are ready for the DTV transition, and if not, will give them resources that will inform them of the steps they must take. At exactly 6:15:00 p.m. on October 21st, three beeps will be heard and an on-screen graphic will appear on broadcast television stations informing the viewer if their television is “ready” or “not ready” for the digital transition.

At exactly 6:15:00 p.m. on October 21st, three beeps will be heard and an on-screen graphic will appear on broadcast television stations informing the viewer if their television is “ready” or “not ready” for the digital transition.

The graphic will also direct viewers to www.dtv.gov, the federal government’s information site about the conversion. The FCC’s call center at 1-888-Call FCC will be staffed to accommodate Bay Area calls and United Way’s 211 Call Center has been engaged to answer questions viewers may pose on the evening of the test.