Skip Navigation
Link to HHS WebsiteDepartment of Health & Human Services
 
Link to Administration on Aging HomePage
  Home > Press Room > News & Information
Home
About AoA
Press Room
Elders & Families
Emergency Preparedness
Aging Statistics
AoA Programs
Program Results
Grant Opportunities
Resize Email This Page Print

"Soft Test" to Prepare for DTV Transition

On Thursday, May 21, 2009, many local broadcasters will be participating in coordinated Digital TV (DTV) "soft tests." These tests are designed to alert analog viewers who are unprepared for the upcoming DTV transition on June 12 that they will lose service once the transition occurs unless they act promptly to get ready. A "soft test" simulates 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 - 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. To learn whether broadcasters in your area are participating, please visit the Federal Communication Commission's (FCC) soft test information page located at http://www.dtv.gov/media_toolkit.html This FCC site contains important information about the transition, including local statistics and reception information, answers to frequently asked questions and other important resources. Information about DTV transition assistance in your local area will be updated regularly on www.dtv.gov and include details about walk-in centers, events where consumers can get technical help and free in-home installation. The Administration on Aging and its national aging network of community-based organizations have been working closely with the FCC and the Department of Commerce's National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) to ensure that older adults and their families across the United States are ready for the June 12 transition. More information about the DTV transition can be found at www.dtv.gov.



Last Modified: 7/16/2009 9:07:31 AM