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.
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.
The Federal Communications Commission and the National Telecommunications and Information Administration have together identified Dayton as one of the DTV transition “hotspot” markets, where a variety of factors indicate a significant number of households are currently unprepared for the transition.
In the few weeks remaining before the transition, the FCC is gearing up its ongoing consumer assistance efforts in Dayton and other markets to ensure consumers are prepared for the end of analog broadcast service for full-power television stations.
These are the latest specifics for the Dayton market that reporters and editors will find helpful in their coverage:
How many people in your community are not ready for DTV? Nielsen estimates that as of May 10, 2.17% of households in Dayton were not ready for the DTV transition.
What local TV stations are participating in the DTV "soft test" on May 21 and when is the test? Major network affiliates in Dayton will conduct the test at 7:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. on May 21.
For the latest information on station participation, visit: www.dtv.gov
How many local households rely on over-the-air TV signals? In Dayton, Nielsen estimates that about 80,550 households (or 16.6% of that media market) rely entirely on over-the-air broadcasts.
What events are happening in your community to help people get ready for DTV? Please check www.dtv.gov for updates to local event information as it becomes available.
Is it too late for consumers to get coupons for the converter boxes? Consumers still have until July 31 to get coupons by calling 1-888-CALL-FCC. In Dayton, we know that 360,717 people have ordered coupons for their converter boxes, and only 195,485 have been redeemed as of May 6. It's important that consumers in your market understand that the coupons expire and they should act quickly.
Is it possible to get free local in-home installation for the converter box? Installs Inc. is providing assistance in Ohio, they can be reached at 1-800-582-4250
Where can consumers call for help with the DTV transition? 1-888-CALL-FCC
“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.”
On June 12, all full-power television stations in the United States will stop analog broadcast service and transmit only digital signals. Consumers who do not subscribe to pay television services and have older, analog televisions will need to attach digital-to-analog converter boxes to their televisions in order to continue receiving over-the-air television programming.
The switch to digital will reward most viewers with better sound, a better picture, more channels and more programs. The transition will also help save lives by clearing airwaves for better first-responder radio service. And it makes room for the future by clearing airwaves for advanced mobile Internet services.