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PRESS RELEASE — Monday, August 25, 2008
For Information Call Karen Svea Johnson at 208-373-7369
or Anne Peterson at 208-373-7368IdahoPTV Schedules 90-second Test Of Analog Shut-off on September 5
Idaho Public Television has scheduled a 90-second test Friday, September 5, to turn its five analog transmitters off. The transmitters return to operation at the end of the 90-second interval when regular broadcasting continues.
The 90-second period begins at 6:58:30 p.m. MT/PT. During those seconds, there will be no pictures on traditional analog sets receiving an over-the-air signal. (Sets with digital television [DTV] converter boxes can be turned to the IdahoPTV digital channels.)
People watching any IdahoPTV digital over-the-air channel will notice no difference, because the system’s five digital transmitters will continue to operate. Most cable and satellite viewers also will not experience the interruptions, nor will people watching the signal from translators. (Translators broadcast on different channel numbers than the five IdahoPTV analog transmitters: KUID 35/KCDT 26, KAID 4/KIPT 13; KISU 10.)
“The 90-second event will allow viewers to test their digital receivers or experience the reality of the permanent shutdown of our analog transmissions on February 17, which is less than six months away,” IdahoPTV General Manager Peter Morrill says.
“Other goals for the event are to allow cable and satellite services to check their receiving systems and to bring attention to the federally-mandated analog television transmitter shutdown. This and similar events around the United States are being encouraged by the FCC.”
Announcements will alert viewers about what is happening before and after the 90-second event when analog transmission resumes.