KING-5 to pull the plug -- sort of


KING-5 has sent out a breathless e-mail announcing a test it's doing during it's Thursday telecast.

For five minutes at 5 p.m., the station is temporarily turning off its analog signal so viewers can see whether they get a digital signal. Next February, you'll need a digital-ready TV (or a special converter box) to view over the air signals (from US stations.)

If your TV doesn't work during the five-minute test, "consumer advocate" Jesse Jones will tell you what you need to do.

There's also going to be a special phone line for concerned viewers to call into if they have any questions.

Overkill? Perhaps.

Skip the fuss, avoid calling KING-5's "experts" and just go to the store and get a converter box or buy a new TV. It'll take you five minutes.

In the United States, you can even get a government coupon to make your converter box purchase a little lighter on the wallet.

Posted by Moises Mendoza at July 22, 2008 6:17 p.m.

The Big Blog
http://blog.seattlepi.nwsource.com/thebigblog/archives/144117.asp

.

The same thing will be happening in acouple of years here in Canada .... might be an improvement if we can't get a signal.  

The same thing will be happening in a couple of years here in Canada when we too lose NTSC and ditch analogue.... might be an improvement if we can't get a signal.  

Wow, Beachcombers and Mr. Dressup in HD, I can hardly wait.