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Chicago TV Stations Conduct DTV Soft-Shutdown Test

November 17, 2008

By Mike Peters

In preparation for the transition from analog to digital television that will take place on February 17, 2009, nearly all of Chicago's over-the-air, full-power broadcast television stations participated in a soft-shutdown of their analog signal. The five-minute test occurred on all station channels simultaneously.
Viewers whose television sets were ready for digital broadcasts continued to receive programming and saw a crawler telling them to check other sets in the house for digital-readiness. For viewers whose sets were not ready to receive digital signals, a full screen graphic alternating in English and in Spanish explained that their sets were not ready for the transition and gave them resources to inform them of the steps they will have to take.

Action Required for Analog Viewers to Prepare for DTV Conversion

While recent reports indicate that the viewing public is learning about the transition, many have not yet taken any of the actions that will be required in order to continue viewing television after the conversion. According to Nielsen's latest estimates, the Chicago area has approximately 300,000 households that receive their TV exclusively over-the-air (with an antenna on their roof or a "rabbit ears" set-top antenna).

Viewers who rely on antenna TVs and who do not have a pay service or a digital television must take action in order to continue to receive free television after February 17. The FCC urges anyone who thinks they are affected to get a converter box as soon as possible.

Three Options to Continue Receiving TV Programming after DTV Transition

Consumers who receive their television over-the-air must take one of three steps in order to continue to receive a signal after February 17: 1) purchase a digital converter box (a coupon is available from the government to offset the cost); 2) buy a new digital-ready television; or 3) upgrade service to a cable or satellite TV provider that will handle the transition for their customers.