Audio Video News

Tomorrow the Federal Communications Commission and local broadcasters will run a "soft test" of the DTV transition. Analog TV broadcasts will be interrupted three times on May 21, 2009 with a message heralding the end of analog broadcasting, coming on June 12. They message will advise consumers who depend on antennas to feed analog TVs to devise a Plan B in a hurry.

This might include buying either buying a DTV or taking steps to keep an old analog TV running. Those steps might include getting a set-top box to convert the new digital signals to an analog format compatible with the old set, or consumers may wish to simply get cable, satellite, or telco TV delivery service. It's hoped that this message will drive the DTV-unsavvy into the FCC's various walk-in centers, help clinics, and phone support (888-CALL-FCC).

The DTV transition, decades in the making, was originally scheduled to conclude on February 17, 2009. However, the Obama administration felt that too many antenna-dependent analog viewers would be unprepared for the transition on that date, so it was rescheduled for June 12. This is believed to be the real drop-dead date for analog broadcasting, so if you (or more likely someone you know) hasn't prepared, this would be a good time to lend a hand.

For more information on the DTV transition, see the FCC's transition website and our own Digital TV To-Do List.