ION Media Networks, NBC Universal, Telemundo and members of the Association of Public Television Stations will spearhead analog shut-off tests in multiple major markets, ION Media said this week.
The tests are the result of a request from FCC Commissioner Jonathan Adelstein to ION Media to organize a nationwide testing campaign.
The planned temporary interruptions of the over-the-air analog signals will take place in New York City, Los Angeles, Washington, D.C., and Hartford, CT. Nearly all broadcasters, cable operators and satellite providers have joined in the effort.
The tests, which are designed to ensure consumer DTV preparedness and a smooth transition to DTV, will begin in New York City, with a two-minute shutdown between 5:59 p.m. and 6:01 p.m. on Oct. 28. Participating New York metropolitan area stations include:
- WABC – TV (ABC, Channel 7)
- WCBS – TV (CBS, Channel 2)
- WFUT – TV (Univision, Channel 68)
- WLIW – TV (PBS, Channel 21)
- WNBC – TV (NBC, Channel 4)
- WNET – TV (PBS, Channel 13)
- WNJU – TV (Telemundo, Channel 47)
- WNYE – TV (NYC Media, Channel 25)
- WNYW – TV (FOX, Channel 5)
- WPIX – TV (The CW, Channel 11)
- WPXN – TV (ION Television, Channel 31)
- WWOR – TV (MyNetwork TV, Channel 9)
- WXTV – TV (Univision, Channel 41)
Subsequent one-minute tests will take place in Los Angeles and Washington, D.C., on Dec. 2, and two 30-minute tests will take place in Hartford the following day. In addition, the broadcast partners will participate in existing tests being conducted across the country, including San Francisco, Philadelphia and other areas with varied population densities and terrains.
Last month, ION Media and its partners invited broadcasters, cable companies, satellite providers and relevant broadcast associations across the country to participate in the testing and to help generate consumer awareness.
For more information, visit www.ionmedia.com.
