Stations statewide hold DTV 'soft test' for viewers

Raleigh, N.C. — Are you ready for the digital TV transition? North Carolinians had a chance to find out Thursday evening during a statewide DTV "soft test."

Stations ran two tests, one at 6:25 p.m. and one at 7:30 p.m. Those who are DTV-ready saw programming as usual. Those who are not ready saw a message reminding them of the conversion, which happens Feb. 17.

By law, on that date, all 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.

Viewers who get their television signals over-the-air, via an antenna, will lose their picture if their TV is not digital-ready. Those who see a warning message during the soft test may either purchase a digital-ready TV, install a converter box or subscribe to cable or satellite service by Feb. 17.

Part of the goal of the test is to help viewers to know whether they need to take action.

The transition to DTV 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.

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Latest Comments

DirectTV and Dish Network are both still using analog feeds of WRAL. Hence why you got the message.

Why they haven't updated to a digital feed by now is beyond me but they say it'll be done by the transition.

dcatz
January 16, 2009 10:41 a.m.

At best, this test is confusing. I have digital TV, HD, Dish Network... and still, I got the message. Tried to call the number to see if there was additional info there... busy signal, or network busy message. Don't think the testers were ready for the response. :-)

debf
January 15, 2009 6:53 p.m.

I have DirecTV and still got the warning message that my TV wasn't ready for Digital conversion. I am sure this is going to confuse many viewers. I believe that this would mean that the test was a failure.

phyllisw
January 15, 2009 6:33 p.m.

My solution: quit watching TV!

ignc73
January 15, 2009 6:26 p.m.

Hundreds of dollars for a new antenna? Here's a clue. There's NO SUCH THING as a digital antenna. You don't have to buy a new one. You can spend hundreds if you really really want to. But I've seen digital reception on $10 Walmart rabbit ears. If you can make it here to complain you can make it over to antennaweb.org to find out what's best for you. If a $40 converter box and/or $30 antenna is too much of a financial burden on you, maybe you time isn't best spent in front of the tv anyway.

Red
January 15, 2009 6:11 p.m.