Mark_Zinni's Blog

Imagine that I'm saying this like the dramatic voiceover guy in all those commercials: "Are you ready for the DTV transition?"  Today, you'll find out if you're ready if you live in this area because we're conducting a test.

Bottom line:  If you have cable or satellite TV -- you ARE ready, so don't worry.  This ONLY affects people who use an anteanna.

(TVNewsday.com) On Dec. 17, stations in the Providence, R.I.-New Bedford, Mass., market (DMA 52) will help prepare viewers for the DTV transition.

WJAR, WLNE, WNAC, WPRI and WSBE will simultaneously run five half-hour educational programs at the following times:  11-11:30 a.m., 12:30-1 p.m., 4:30-5 p.m., 7:30-8 p.m. and 9:30-10 pm.

The programs will be seen only on television sets that are not DTV-ready and will include information on how to obtain converter boxes, install them and prepare for the analog signal cut-off on Feb. 17, 2009.

According to Nielsen, 19,000 households are completely unready for the DTV transition in the Providence-New Bedford area. Nielsen estimates that 63,000 households are partially unready, which means that they subscribe to cable or satellite service but also has a television that receives local stations with an antenna. All sets must be converted, or they'll go dark.

Lori Needham, executive director of the Rhode Island Broadcasters Association, announced the event, stating, "Feb. 17, 2009 is around the corner. The digital signals are available now, free of charge. We want to encourage viewers to be prepared; there is no need to wait. "DTV Test Day" will help everyone understand the DTV transition — what it is and what it means to them.  Rhode Island Broadcasters are committed to make sure Southern New Englanders are ready for the DTV transition on Feb. 17, 2009."