Ready for digital TV? Nationwide test on Thursday
May 20th, 2009, 12:39 pm · 6 Comments · posted by Tamara Chuang, a.k.a. The Gadgetress
We’re back in countdown mode: 23 days until TV stations switch to broadcasting digital signals only, leaving analog-reliant viewers in the dark.
Are you ready O.C.? Based on past response, I would say yes. But Nielsen ratings believes 3.3 million households — or in our area, 4.69% as of May 10 – aren’t ready. If you’re unsure, tune in tomorrow, May 21, as TV channels run a nationwide test. (More details on our market at the National Association of Broadcaster’s site.)
Being coordinated by the National Association of Broadcasters and the Federal Communications Commission, the nationwide test will be conducted at multiple times during the day. Here’s the schedule (same time no matter what time zone):
- 7:25 – 7:30 a.m.
- 12:25 – 12:30 p.m.
- 6:25 – 6:30 p.m.
During the two- to five-minute tests, the channels will temporarily stop analog broadcasts. If your TV isn’t ready, you’ll see a message saying the set needs to be upgraded.
If you’re not ready, you can take the steps to be prepared for the June 12 switchover by heading to my “Guide to the digital TV transition” at gadgetress.freedomblogging.com/dtv2009.
You can also get help by calling the national DTV hotline, at 1-888-CALL-FCC.
More digital TV transition news:
Check out the Gadgetress Guide to the Digital TV transition.
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In 23 days I will be forced to give up TV
I have a digital converter but it doesnt work on rabbit ears and the apartment owner will not allow an outside antenna or a satellite dish (and Time Warner Cables stinks at $65 a month)
Thanks to our rotten corrupt government for not passing a law forcing my apartment owner to put up a master antenna and tie it into the distribution system so those of us that cant afford cable can at least watch DTV
I
Actually, the way I understand it, apartment owners are required by law to allow outside antennas to improve TV reception but only if it’s on a renter’s private balcony or patio area. Here’s the FCC’s recap page: FCC’s Over-the-Air Reception Devices Rule, see 47 C.F.R. Section 1.4000, which “prohibits restrictions that impair a person’s ability to install, maintain, or use an antenna …” There are exceptions, of course. But if you have questions or need more info, call the FCC: 888-CALLFCC (toll free) or (202) 418-7096.
great…so now that this landlord provides you with a shelter and other amenities required by law, you want another thing provided to you by law?
i feel your pain, but your pain shouldn’t become other people’s pain.
tv is a luxury not a right.
imagine if you were allowed an outside antennae…and then everyone else was too…it would look like little saigon.
ever see all those 3rd world country pictures of their buildings?
it’s covered with so many wires and antennas that it just looks like a spider web of wires.
ya that would be great…
I wrote the Following
“Thanks to our rotten corrupt government for not passing a law forcing my apartment owner to put up a “MASTER ANTENNA” and tie it into the distribution system so those of us that cant afford cable can at least watch DTV
Thats One Antenna Not a forest of Antennas
If he does it right no one will ever see it
Tie it into the distribution system that is already in place
AGAIN O N E A N T E N N A
Whats so hard about that?
TV Less has a right to an antenna on property rented by him/her, like the Gadgetress said, on your patio or balcony. This is not about government grants, this is about private rights, something I think most OCR readers are in favor of.
Its going to be a moot point when Mexifornia corrupt politicans raise taxes sky high and my employer and I deside to move to Texas or Arizona
Then I could afford a nicer newer smarter apartment where they have all the hook ups in place (like a Master Antenna) or a spot for a satellite dish