KJRH television tested its digital TV signal during the Tuesday evening newscast.
During the 2NEWS at 6:00 broadcast, the station turned its analog broadcast off for two minutes.
Viewers who did not have the correct equipment to receive a digital television signal saw a warning that they needed to upgrade.
Those who have the ability to receive digital television did not have an interruption but got an explanation of the test.
Congress has mandated that all high-power television stations begin broadcasting a digital signal by February 17, 2009.
On that date, the stations can no longer broadcast an analog signal.
According to the FCC, northeastern Oklahoma has fallen behind most of the country in preparing for the digital transition.
In some areas, as much as 14% of the population which gets its television off the air using an antenna has not acquired converter boxes or digital televisions.
Nationally, the FCC estimates that approximately 8 million people remain unprepared for the February 17 deadline.
2NEWS HD has launched an informational campaign on the air, on this website, and through live appearances by staff members at various venues, including community organizations and retirement communities.
The campaign has the goal of helping Green Country residents understand the reasons for the conversion, and their options for continuing to receive free, over-the-air television broadcasts.
To request a speaker, readers can email
dtvanswers@kjrh.com.
For much more information on the digital transition, visit the
kjrh.com digital transition website.
