Digital Transition Answers

According to a press release from WHO-TV in Des Moines, Iowa, a test is being conducted from 5 a.m. until midnight today on broadcast analog channel 13.

During the test, a banner will be run about one-third of the way up the screen that will inform the viewer that the transition to digital broadcasting is coming. They will be instructed to tune to WHO-DT digital channel 13.1. For those who cannot tune in to the digital channel and, thus, fail the test, there will be information in the banner on what to do to make the transition.

"We feel it is important to help our viewers be as prepared as possible for this transition in television," said WHO Regional VP/General Manager Dale R. Woods. "We wanted a way to break through the clutter of informational messages and really target those people we know it will impact."

According to Mr. Woods, the idea was hatched about a month ago at a leadership meeting. "It is one way to help viewers understand how prepared they are," he added.

I would like to applaud the management at WHO-TV for thinking outside the box and coming up with a way that seems to be unique in getting the point across that this is coming whether we like it or not.

Of course, the two translator stations for WHO-TV, K27CV in Ottumwa and K66AL in Clarinda, will not be affected at this time because of their low-power status.