KUAC TV temporarily shuts off analog signal to prepare for DTV transition

Submitted by Tammy Tragis
Phone: 907-474-1890
01/13/09

To help prepare viewers for the shutdown of analog TV service in February, KUAC is conducting a soft test Thursday, Jan. 15 from 6:25 to 6:28 p.m. KUAC will cease analog programming for three minutes to help viewers determine if they are ready for the DTV transition.

Over-the-air viewers receiving the KUAC analog broadcast signal through rabbit ears or rooftop antenna will see a blank screen with static during the soft test. For viewers receiving a broadcast signal through a television equipped with a digital tuner, a converter box or pay service, KUAC programming will remain uninterrupted. Local NBC affiliate KTVF and North Pole station KJNP are also participating in the soft test.

"This soft test gives viewers a chance to check if they are DTV ready," said KUAC general manager and CEO Greg Petrowich. "We’ll have a phone bank of volunteers ready that night to try to help viewers who may have technical problems or other DTV questions."

Thursday evening from 6-8 p.m., KUAC staff and broadcast representatives from Interior television stations will take live calls regarding digital television. The numbers to call are 907-474-5822 or 1-800-727-6543 from outlying areas. Viewers can also email their questions to dtv@kuac.org.

Viewers unable to call during the phone bank operating hours can find out more about the DTV conversion by clicking on www.alaskaone.org/digital, www.dtvanswers.com, or call 1-888-CALL-FCC (1-888-225-5322)