DTV test suprises viewers and WLFI

LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) - A test switch to a digital television signal floods WLFI with phone calls from viewers who prepared for the transition, but still got a message their TVs weren't ready.

The federal government is mandating all analog signals must stop broadcasting by February 17th, 2009.  WLFI did a test run tonight so viewers could find out if they needed to make changes so they
could still receive shows.  What happened surprised viewers and News Channel 18.

As Jeopardy started, WLFI turned off its analog signal for five minutes. Viewers then got an answer to a question not on the popular quiz show. Are you DTV ready? Those not prepared for the D-TV transition got this message. Then the phones at WLFI started to ring.
 

"A lot of phone calls. Surprising number of calls," said Ron Hurst of Lafayette Electronic Supply.

 "We took a lot of Comcast cable customers that were quite honestly a bit of a surprise for us," said Bill Emery of H.H. Greg.'

Calls flooded the station for more than an hour and half. Most who phoned were Comcast cable subscribers, who've been told if they have cable, then there will be no interruption to their favorite shows like Jeopardy.

"Obviously we're having some issues with Comcast still getting our analog signal and have them update to our digital signal," said WLFI's Director of Studio Operations, Chris Hilgendorf.

What WLFI learned is Comcast cable is broadcasting an analog signal to customers in outlaying areas from Lafayette and West Lafayette. WLFI will work with Comcast to get the proper digital signal working to those areas. But viewers won't have to wait until February to find out if the signal is
corrected.

"We will be doing some more testing. After we work with Comcast we will test again in January," explained Hilgendorf.

 Only about 20-percent of calls came from viewers who need to get a converter box or adjust their antennas to get the new digital signal. That tells WLFI most viewers won't notice the switch in February.

On February 17th, those still getting the analog signal will get a similar message about not being DTV prepared.  For information on how to make the switch call:  1-800-DTV-2009 (1-800-388-2009).