Lakeshore Public Television will participate in a DTV soft-shutdown test scheduled for May 21. The test will allow the television station to test the public's readiness for the transition to digital transmission. To help viewers prepare for the federally-mandated shutdown of television analog signals on June 12, 2009, Lakeshore Public Television will participate in this soft-shutdown of its analog signal, in conjunction with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).
The test will occur simultaneously nationwide at 7:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m., with each analog shut-down lasting five minutes. The test will alert television audiences who receive the analog signals that their television set(s) are not ready for the DTV transition with a full screen graphic and will give them resources that will inform them of the steps they must take. Stations will place a “crawling” message on the digital broadcast indicating that this television set is ready for digital but to check other sets in the home for readiness.
Viewers who rely on antenna TVs and who do not have a pay service or a digital television must act in order to continue to receive free television after June 12, 2009. The FCC urges anyone who thinks they are affected to get your converter box today to enjoy the benefits of digital television now.
The DTV transition will enable consumers to receive a clearer picture, better sound and receive multiple channels from their local over-the-air broadcasters. The shutdown of the analog signal will allow for greater capacity on the airwaves for law enforcement and other emergency service providers signals and to use the wireless spectrum in a more efficient way.
Lakeshore PTV can be viewed over the air and on satellite through DirecTV and Dish Network on Channel 56, on cable channel 17 in Valparaiso and other Northwest Indiana communities, and on 17 and 21 in Chicago and its suburbs. For more information, or for a complete channel listing, please contact Lakeshore PTV at (219) 756-5656 or visit www.LakeshorePTV.com.