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"Soft Tests" Conducted for DTV Transition Readiness

Experiment simulates switch from analog to digital signals

By Mark Huffman
ConsumerAffairs.Com

May 21, 2009

These tests are designed to alert analog viewers who are unprepared for the impending transition that they will lose service once the transition occurs unless they act promptly to get ready.

A "soft test" simulates to some extent what unprepared viewers will experience when the DTV transition occurs. Instead of completely cutting off the analog signal, during the soft test broadcasters will interrupt the regular programming of viewers receiving analog signals to warn them the interruption indicates they are not prepared for the transition.

Such viewers — other than those connected to a subscription TV service such as cable or satellite (which in some cases still utilize a broadcaster's analog signal) — must take immediate action to avoid a complete loss of service on June 12.

Digital broadcasts are available now and will not be interrupted by the soft tests. The length of the interruptions will vary by station but generally will run between 2 and 5 minutes. To learn whether broadcasters in your area are participating, visit the Federal Communication Commission's soft test information page located at www.dtv.gov/media_toolkit.html.

"The soft test is a wake-up call to consumers telling them that the time to get ready for the DTV transition is now," said Acting FCC Chairman Michael Copps. "We don't want anyone to be left without the news, information and entertainment they need and enjoy. If you’re having trouble getting ready, you can get help right in your community and even in your own home by calling 1-888-CALL-FCC."

Nationwide, Nielsen estimates that about 3.3 million households — 2.9 percent of U.S. households with TVs — remained unready for the transition as of May 10. In the few weeks remaining before the transition, the FCC is gearing up its ongoing consumer assistance efforts to ensure consumers are prepared for the end of analog broadcast service for full-power television stations.

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