SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- In preparation for the Feb. 17, 2009, transition to digital television, KCRA 3 and KQCA My 58 TV are conducting the Sacramento market's first DTV test so that viewers can determine if their television sets are ready to receive digital signals.

During these tests, station officials will temporarily turn off the analog signal, and transmit only a digital signal to the Sacramento, Stockton and Modesto area.

The first test took place on KCRA 3 on Wednesday, Sept. 24, during KCRA 3 Reports at 6:30 p.m.

KCRA 3 has released the following statement concerning Wednesday's DTV test:

"If you got a failed message during KCRA’s DTV test and you are receiving a signal from Comcast, you may not have failed at all. KCRA did uncover some technical issues with the delivery of our signal to some Comcast customers. We are testing all of KCRA’s signals and working to correct the problem. KCRA will have another DTV test on October 17."

On Thursday, Sept. 25, the test will take place on KQCA My58 TV during KCRA 3 News at 8 a.m.

Viewers can tune to the station during that time and test all television sets in their homes.

Links: KCRA DTV Guide | DTV Coupon Guide Still Have Questions? Call 1-888-CALL-FCC

"As the Sacramento area's news leader, we feel it is our responsibility to provide our viewers with an opportunity to test all of their television sets to ensure that they are ready for the digital transition," said Elliott Troshinsky, President and General Manager of KCRA 3 and KQCA My58 TV. "We want to take a leadership role in providing the necessary information that will allow our viewers to take the appropriate steps needed to ensure that they are able to watch television when they wake up on Feb. 18, 2009."

At a designated time during the newscast, viewers will receive a warning from the KCRA 3 News team that the analog signal will be turned off for 30 seconds. At that time, viewers will continue to see the KCRA 3 newscast on television sets that are properly prepared for the DTV transition.

On television sets that are not yet ready for the digital transition, viewers will see a full-screen graphic that informs them that their TV is not ready for the Feb. 17, 2009, transition to digital. The graphic will identify resources where viewers may obtain additional information and assistance.

If your TV is ready, you will see this:

If your TV is NOT ready, you will see this:

KCRA 3 and KQCA My58 TV are dedicated to assisting viewers in the Sacramento area prepare for the digital transition by Feb. 17, 2009. Both stations will conduct a series of tests to help raise viewer awareness and to let viewers know where they stand throughout the next four months.

Following the September tests, similar tests will take place on Oct. 17, 2008, Dec. 17, 2008, and Jan. 17, 2009.

The stations have been spreading the word about the DTV transition for several months, both over-the-air and in appearances throughout the Sacramento area.

Viewers whose sets receive programming via cable, satellite, or other subscription television service, should not need to take additional steps to prepare those sets for the digital transition. Viewers who subscribe to one of these services may wish to contact their provider for further information.

"Viewers who have recently purchased a new TV stand a good chance of having a TV that is capable of receiving digital broadcasts," said Gene Robinson, Creative Services Director for KCRA 3. "All television sets manufactured after March 1, 2007 are required to have digital tuners built in, but analog TVs are still on store shelves. That's why it's important for viewers to know if their television sets are ready to receive a digital signal. That is the reason why KCRA 3 and KQCA My58 TV are conducting these tests."

Viewers whose television sets do not pass the test have three options to ensure they won't wake up on Feb. 18, 2009, to static on their television sets. These steps include the following:

1. Viewers who have analog television sets and who receive television over-the-air can purchase and install a converter box. The converter box converts digital television signals back into analog format so that they are viewable on analog television sets. A variety of converter boxes is available at most electronic retailers.
   The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) is administering a federal coupon program to provide financial assistance to consumers who need converter boxes. Every household may apply for up to two coupons worth $40 each. Viewers may call 1-888-DTV-2009 or go to www.dtv2009.gov for more information and to apply for converter box coupons.
2. Viewers may subscribe to cable, satellite or other subscription television services. All these services provide adequate connections to the digital television signal.
3. Viewers may choose to purchase a new television with a digital tuner. It is important that shoppers remember to specify to the retail salesperson that you want a TV that has a digital tuner capable of receiving digital broadcasts.

For more information, visit our Digital TV Information Center.