Connecticut television stations are preparing viewers for the switch to digital television in February. NBC 30/WVIT and other local stations will participate in an Analog Shut off test Wednesday.
For thirty minutes at 12:00 p.m and 5:00 p.m. Wednesday, NBC 30 and other Connecticut television stations will interrupt the over-the-air analog feed with a special message instructing viewers how to prepare for February’s transition.
The switch from analog to digital broadcast television is called the Digital TV or DTV Transition. The U.S. Congress has mandated that on February 17, 2009, all stations must stop broadcasting in analog and switch entirely to a digital broadcast. The Connecticut Broadcasters Association held an informational press conference Tuesday to help explain how everyone can get ready for the switch.
The only people affected by the switch are people who don’t have cable or a satellite provider. Those providers are already prepared.
People receiving their television signal with an antenna or rabbit ears need to purchase a digital converter. The government is providing $40 coupons toward the purchase of the converters.
Click here to get more information on the DTV transition or to get a converter coupon.
In Connecticut, only about 5% of the population doesn’t have cable or satellite television.
