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Stamford Sports Scene

By STEVE KOBAK

skobak@thestamfordtimes.com


STAMFORD -- Don't adjust that dial. The static on your television may be a test for the readiness of digital broadcasting.

In a little less than a month, Connecticut-based television stations will join other stations around the nation that have been running the test -- which shows a message telling people to be ready for the digital conversion if their television is receiving analog signals.

Connecticut stations will run the tests for a half-hour on Dec. 3 at 12 p.m. and again at 5 p.m., according to Francine Duverger, chief engineer at WTNH Channel 8 in New Haven.

The stations are running the tests because in February 2009, all television signals will be converted from analog to digital. Various ad campaigns from the National Association of Broadcasters have been informing people of what they need to do to convert from an analog signal to a digital one.

Duverger said during the tests, people who still receive an analog signal on their television will see a message that states: "If you can see this message, then call this number." A group of people will field calls from viewers, giving them technical support.

Signal tests in other areas -- such as the tests that took place on New York-based stations on Tuesday -- have been "extremely helpful in telling consumers if their TV is digital-ready," said Linda Yun, media relations manager for the digital television transition division of the National Association of Broadcasters.

Cable customers will not be affected by the signal switch, as subscribers already receive digital cable, according to Comcast spokeswoman Laura Brubaker and Cablevision spokesman Bob Klein.

However, the switch will affect television viewers who use antennas to get reception of local stations. For these viewers, analog-to -digital converter boxes are available at electronics stores.

Government coupons designed to help defray the cost of purchasing a converter box are available to all consumers. The Federal Trade Commission however, suggests consumers understand the terms and conditions tied to the purchase of a converter box.

A consumer can apply one coupon toward the purchase of each converter box. In other words, if need to purchase two converter boxes for separate televisions, two coupons are required.


McClatchy-Tribune News Service contributed to this story.

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