SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- In preparation for the February 17, 2009 transition to digital television, KCRA 3 and KQCA My 58 TV will conduct their third DTV test for viewers to determine if their television sets are ready to receive a digital signal after the switch to digital television.

Station officials will simulate turning off the analog signal by sending the analog transmitter a “Not Ready” full screen graphic video source, at the same time sending a “Ready” full screen graphic to the digital transmitter. This will allow all Sacramento, Stockton, and Modesto area viewers to test their television setups and truly understand what signal they are presently viewing on their systems.

Links: KCRA DTV Guide | DTV Coupon Guide Still Have Questions? Call 1-888-CALL-FCC

The test will take place on Monday, November 17, 2008 during KCRA 3 Reports at 6:30 p.m. on KCRA 3. During each newscast, station officials will conduct the DTV test twice for 30 seconds each, so viewers will have enough time to determine if multiple television sets in their homes are ready for the DTV transition.

“We are now three months away from February 17, 2009, and some of our viewers are not ready for the digital transition,” said Elliott Troshinsky, President and General Manager of KCRA 3 and KQCA My58 TV. “It is our obligation to provide the necessary information that will allow our viewers to take the appropriate steps needed to ensure that they are able to watch television on February 18, 2009.”

At two designated times during these newscasts, viewers will receive a warning from the KCRA 3 News team that the DTV Readiness Test will be conducted for 30 seconds. At that time, television sets that are ready for the DTV transition will continue to see the KCRA 3 newscast and a “This Television set is Ready” graphic.

On television sets that are not ready for the digital transition, viewers will see a full screen graphic that informs them that their TV is “Not Ready” for viewing after February 17, 2009. The graphic will also include resources to receive help, including direction to www.KCRA.com/dtv for detailed information and a phone number that viewers can call for additional information and assistance. The phone number that will be displayed on the screen is 1-888-DTV-2009.

If your TV is ready, you will see this:

If your TV is NOT ready, you will see this:

KCRA 3 and KQCA My58 TV are dedicated to assisting viewers in the Sacramento area prepare for the digital transition by Feb. 17, 2009. Both stations will conduct a series of tests to help raise viewer awareness and to let viewers know where they stand throughout the next four months.

KCRA 3 and KQCA My58 TV are dedicated to ensure that television viewers in the Sacramento area will be ready for the digital transition by February 17, 2009. Both stations will conduct a series of tests to help raise viewer awareness and to let viewers know where they stand throughout the next three months. Following the November tests, the stations will conduct two final tests on December 17, 2008 and January 17, 2009. Viewers, who already subscribe to a paid cable, satellite, or telephone television service, should not be affected by the conversion to a digital signal. “Viewers who have purchased a new TV recently stand a good chance of having a TV that is capable of receiving digital broadcasts,” said Gene Robinson, Creative Services Director for KCRA 3. “All television sets manufactured after March 1, 2007 are required to have digital tuners built in, but analog TVs are still on store shelves. That's why it's important for viewers to know if their television sets are ready to receive a digital signal. That is the reason why KCRA 3 and KQCA My58 TV are conducting these tests.” Those viewers, whose television sets did not pass the test, will need to follow one of three simple steps that will ensure they won't wake up on Feb. 18, 2009 to static on their television sets. These steps include the following:

1. Viewers who have analog television sets and who receive television over-the-air can purchase and install a converter box. The converter box converts digital television signals back into analog format so that they are viewable on analog television sets. A variety of converter boxes is available at most electronic retailers.
   The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) is administering a federal coupon program to provide financial assistance to consumers who need converter boxes. Every household may apply for up to two coupons worth $40 each. Viewers may call 1-888-DTV-2009 or go to www.dtv2009.gov for more information and to apply for converter box coupons.
2. Viewers may subscribe to cable, satellite or other subscription television services. All these services provide adequate connections to the digital television signal.
3. Viewers may choose to purchase a new television with a digital tuner. It is important that shoppers remember to specify to the retail salesperson that you want a TV that has a digital tuner capable of receiving digital broadcasts.

For more information, visit our Digital TV Information Center.