These tests are designed to alert analog viewers who are unpreparedfor the impending transition that they will lose service once thetransition occurs unless they act promptly to get ready.

A "soft test" simulates to some extent what unprepared viewers willexperience when the DTV transition occurs. Instead of completelycutting off the analog signal, during the soft test broadcasters willinterrupt the regular programming of viewers receiving analog signalsto warn them the interruption indicates they are not prepared for thetransition.

Such viewers — other than those connected to a subscription TVservice such as cable or satellite (which in some cases still utilizea broadcaster`s analog signal) — must take immediate action to avoida complete loss of service on June 12.

Digital broadcasts are available now and will not be interrupted bythe soft tests. The length of the interruptions will vary by stationbut generally will run between 2 and 5 minutes. To learn whetherbroadcasters in your area are participating, visit the FederalCommunication Commission`s soft test information page located atwww.dtv.gov/media_toolkit.html.

"The soft test is a wake-up call to consumers telling them that thetime to get ready for the DTV transition is now," said Acting FCCChairman Michael Copps. "We don`t want anyone to be left without thenews, information and entertainment they need and enjoy. If you’rehaving trouble getting ready, you can get help right in your communityand even in your own home by calling 1-888-CALL-FCC."

Nationwide, Nielsen estimates that about 3.3 million households — 2.9percent of U.S. households with TVs — remained unready for thetransition as of May 10. In the few weeks remaining before thetransition, the FCC is gearing up its ongoing consumer assistanceefforts to ensure consumers are prepared for the end of analogbroadcast service for full-power television stations.

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