FCC To Test Transition From Analog To Digital TV In N.C.

Norfolk (dbTechno) - The FCC has announced that they will test out the transition from analog TV broadcasts to digital this September. The test will be carried out in Wilmington, North Carolina and will likely expand from there.

Starting on September 8, WWAY, WSFX, WECT, WILM-LP, and W51CW will all be turning off their analog signals.

They will be leaving only digital signals available to viewers, which is how it will go when the full transition is made across the U.S.

FCC Chairman Kevin Martin stated “The commission will use the test market as an opportunity to work very closely in advance with broadcasters, viewers, cable companies and others who will be affected to anticipate and address any problems.”

They chose this area as Wilmington, NC is one of the only places where they have digital signals readily available.

The hope is that this type of testing will allow them to anticipate any hurdles they will run into when the full transition is made in 2009.