FCC Proposing Multiple National Soft DTV Tests May 21 [Multichannel News]
As we get closer to the federally mandated deadline of June 12th for the digital television transition, the FCC is requesting that television stations perform a DTV "soft test" on May 21st. While around 41 percent of broadcast stations have already flipped the switch to digital, the FCC is proposing that remaining analog stations give viewers who still aren't prepared for the digital transition an additional reminder. These soft tests would occur during the evening news period, and simulate what happens when the station pulls the plug on analog. If a viewer is ready for DTV, then the broadcast is uninterrupted. If they're not yet prepared, the receive additional instructions about how to prepare.
We're just over a month away from saying goodbye to analog television broadcasts forever. While only a small percentage of households nationally are still unprepared for DTV, that small percentage represents millions of people who will wake up on the morning of June 13th to static if they don't take steps in the next few weeks to get ready for digital television.
And though regular readers have read it a hundred times already, here's my standard DTV statement - If all your televisions are connected to cable, then you're already prepared for digital television. Relax, there's nothing you need to do. On the other hand, if you still have one or more television sets that are going to need some help to make the transition, we'd be glad to be your DTV solution. Just give us a call.
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