FCC approves analog night light for broadcast notices

After approval by Congress, the FCC last week voted to approve an analog night light program that allows television stations a transitional period to post notices about the DTV transition on analog channels.

President Bush last month signed the bill into law that calls on the FCC to allow certain stations to broadcast DTV information on analog stations for 30 days after the transition.

Previously, over-the-air analog viewers would have seen a black screen after the analog shutdown. With the analog nightlight, the viewers will see a notice with information about the switch and how to obtain a converter box.