Hearst-Argyle to Test DTV Switch in Ark.
Hearst-Argyle Television stations in Fort Smith/Fayetteville, Ark., to simulate shutoff of analog signals.
By John Eggerton -- Broadcasting & Cable, 7/17/2008 11:16:00 AM
Hearst-Argyle Television stations in Fort Smith/Fayetteville, Ark., will run simulated shutoffs of their analog signals monthly starting now and continuing through the Feb. 17, 2009, date when full-power broadcasters will have to cut off their analog broadcasts for real.
While the signal will not actually be cut off, analog over-the-air viewers will see snow on the screen and a message: "You are NOT ready for Digital TV."
According to Hearst-Argyle, 8%-10% of the households in its viewing area are analog-only.
The station will run the test during all of its newscasts on the 17th of every month. The move follows an initial simulated shutoff in June.
Numerous stations have aired similar real or simulated shutoffs to warn viewers of the switch, and stations in Wilmington, N.C., are actually pulling the plug early -- Sept. 8, barring a hurricane -- to help the Federal Communications Commission gauge the impact.
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I do not know if that will really help. KTXA of Fort Worth, Texas plans to go off the air on its analog station (channel 21) for two hours on July 23rd from 7PM to 9PM while still broadcasting its digital channel 18. That should get the attention of the viewers focused on getting a good antenna or a converter or a digital TV receiver.
James Johnson - 7/19/2008 7:34:00 AM EDT
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