NAB Provides Support to Dec. 17 National Digital TV Readiness Test
December 16, 2008
WASHINGTON, DC — With support from the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB), local television stations in 42 states and the District of Columbia will conduct the first-ever national consumer readiness test on December 17 – exactly two months out from the nationwide transition to digital television (DTV).
As part of the national test, each participating station will broadcast information over their analog signals explaining what the DTV transition is and directing viewers to resources for further assistance.
The timing and length of the tests vary by station and state, but in general, they will range between one to five minutes long and many will occur during evening newscasts. In addition to statewide phone banks, some television stations will host their own call centers to answer consumer questions.
"Broadcasters are facilitating this national DTV test on top of the industry's $1 billion effort to educate America on the transition," said Jonathan Collegio, NAB vice president for the DTV transition. "These readiness tests are a great innovation by broadcasters that brings information about the transition to viewers who need it and gives DTV technology a trial run."
NAB, in collaboration with the Federal Communications Commission, is working with its member stations and state broadcast associations to help coordinate what will be the largest and most inclusive test to date. A complete list of participating states is available for download here.
"DTV readiness tests have proven to be extremely successful in preparing viewers for the transition, reducing the number of people who will be transitioning at the eleventh hour," added Collegio. An estimated 400 television stations across the country have already participated in DTV consumer readiness testing, including market-wide and statewide tests.
By law, all full-power stations must begin broadcasting exclusively in digital by February 17, 2009. Consumers who rely on free over-the-air television must upgrade their TV sets or risk losing reception after that date. NAB is leading a massive campaign to inform viewers about the transition and their options for upgrading to DTV.
