Michigan Broadcasters Join in Nationwide DTV 'Soft Test' May 21st

Michigan Broadcasters Join in Nationwide DTV 'Soft Test' May 21st

LANSING, Mich., May 19 /PRNewswire/ -- Michigan broadcasters will participate in a cooperative nationwide effort by conducting local "soft tests" to check to see if television viewers are prepared for the impending digital television transition. The tests will take place on Thursday, May 21, 2009 and are part of a concerted effort to make sure all citizens are prepared to make the transition on June 12, 2009.

Each television market in the state has worked together to coordinate a uniform time when the majority of stations will simulate (soft test) turning off their analog signal so citizens can check to see if they are ready to make the transition to digital TV. Additionally, many stations who have already transitioned or those who are technically unable to perform the simulation will run messages along the bottom of their screens to inform viewers of the test being conducted.

"Michigan television stations are to be congratulated for their continued efforts to best serve their communities," said Karole White, President and CEO of the Michigan Association of Broadcasters. "Our television broadcasters give a prime example of the cooperative efforts going on all over the nation in an effort to see that no viewer is left behind in the digital transition of television."

The federal government has mandated that all full-power analog TV stations shutdown their analog signals and broadcast only in a digital format after June 12, 2009. Viewers who watch TV on an analog set and that use an outdoor antenna or rabbit ears must act if they want to continue to receive free television after the transition date. One option is to install a converter box on your analog TV, which will convert the digital signal to analog. Viewers who have a paid TV service, such as cable or satellite, do not need to take any action because their provider will make the change for them.

   Soft Test Times:    Detroit Metro Market:   12:25pm   Individual stations may run additional soft tests at 7:25am and 6:25pm    West Michigan Market:   12:25pm & 6:25pm    Lansing/Jackson Market:   12:25pm   Individual stations may run additional soft tests at 7:25am and 6:25pm    Flint/Tri-Cities Market   7:25am & 6:25pm   Individual stations may run an additional soft test at 12:25pm  

WSMH-TV will make the digital transition on Thursday, May 21, 2009 at 12:00pm

   Northern Michigan & UP Markets:   6:28pm   

For more information visit the MAB Website, www.michmab.com or call the Michigan DTV Helpline sponsored by Don-Lors electronics 1-888-MI-DTV-09 (1-888-643-8809).

The Michigan Association of Broadcasters represents more than 389 radio and television stations, serving nearly 4,000 individual employees in the broadcasting industry. MAB is one of the largest broadcast associations in the nation and offers educational, informational and cost-saving The MAB is dedicated to helping its members serve their communities, advertisers and staff by providing services to its members. Solutions to industry problems and satisfying members' needs

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Source: Michigan Association of Broadcasters

CONTACT: Karole White or Mary Worland, both of Michigan Association of
Broadcasters, +1-517-484-7444, Worland@michmab.com

Web Site: http://www.michmab.com/

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