Log in to WRAL.com with one click using your favorite social network:
OR
Log in using your WRAL.com account:



Wrong email/password combination.

Forgot password?

Register with WRAL.com using your favorite social network:
OR
Register for a WRAL.com account using our web form.

10:11 a.m. • 5-19-13

Weather Forecast for Raleigh

  • Today: Thunderstorm.
    • Hi: 78° F
  • Mon: Thunderstorm.
    • Hi: 76° F
  • Tue: Thunderstorm.
    • Hi: 81° F

Other Locations

> 7 Day Forecast

Doppler Image

Published: 2008-09-17 12:42:00
Updated: 2008-09-17 23:45:38

Are you ready for DTV?


DTV
DTV
print friendly

WRAL-TV took part in a statewide test Wednesday night designed to help viewers figure out if they are ready for the digital TV transition.

By law, on Feb. 17, 2009, full-power television stations nationwide will stop using the old method of transmitting TV signals, known as analog, and begin broadcasting exclusively in a digital format.

Last week, Wilmington became the first television market in the country to begin digital-only broadcasting.

Some people there had trouble with their converter boxes because they weren't programmed to the station's correct digital channel. For example, they were set on Channel 5 instead of 5.1.

Wednesday night, the rest of North Carolina took part in a short test designed to help viewers determine if they are ready.

People watching WRAL’s News at 6 found out if they need to make adjustments.

Those watching a TV that receives a digital signal were able to see the newscast. However, those who only receive an analog signal saw a message letting them know their TV set is not digital ready.

The transition is being compared to the change from black-and-white television to color TV in the 1950s. TV stations have relied on analog signals for 65 years; digital TV provides a much sharper picture and better sound.

To find out more about the DTV transition, click here or call 1-888-CALL-FCC.


45 Comments


WRAL.com welcomes your comments on this story. All comments are moderated prior to publication based on our posting guidelines. Please review them prior to posting and if your message is not approved.

View Comments VIEW ALL 45 COMMENTS

This story is closed for comments. Comments on WRAL.com news stories are accepted and moderated between the hours of 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Latest Comments
Even though I've got DirectTV, when they ran the DTV test I got the "you are not configured" screen. The ads DirectTV run say that their customers don't have to do anything when the signals switch, but if that's so, why did I get the "not configured" screen? None of the DTV-only channels I get are blocked, so what's the deal?

I don't have a TV - how can I tell if it worked?

I've got TWC too and my picture has been darker since the test.

Has anyone noticed after the DTV TEST was done that the background to your tv is darker? My husband and I noticed it. We are watching it on a Plasma TV with Time Warner Cable. I think I might have to adjust my brightness.

Sorry, but I have a small complaint ... shouldn't someone have mentioned it would be on Wednesday night BEFORE Wednesday noon?!

Not everyone checks the WRAL web page every day ...

Could the Moderators please pass this on to Management (Unless there is a better way for us to make suggesstions)? I thank you!!

View Comments VIEW ALL 45 COMMENTS