Dallas/Fort Worth television station KTXA will conduct two analog switch-off tests Tuesday, Sept. 16. The station conducted the market's first such test July 23, and says its viewers want to have another shot at seeing whether their televisions will still work.
As with similar tests around the nation, the analog signals will not actually cease. In the simulation, the station will send a separate signal via KTXA's analog transmitter for approximately one minute between 7 and 7:30 p.m. and again for one minute between 8 and 8:30 p.m. During the tests, viewers whose televisions are not equipped to receive the digital signal will see a graphic message informing them that they are not ready for the transition.
"We received tremendous viewer response after the initial test," said KTXA Senior Vice President and Station Manager Gary Schneider. "Our phone bank was flooded with calls and questions -- as well as numerous requests to repeat the test -- so that people could check additional sets."
Consumer electronics experts will be available during the newscast to answer questions about the transition. Viewers may call the special KTXA News hotline (1-877-Texas-11) with their questions or get answers via e-mail or live online chat at
txa21tv.com.