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ETV to Participate in Temporary Analog Shutdown on Wednesday, Dec. 17 at 7:30 p.m.

For Immediate Release
December 16, 2008

On Wednesday, Dec. 17, ETV will participate in a five-minute nationwide simultaneous test to help viewers prepare for the switch from analog to digital broadcast on February 17, 2009.

At 7:30 p.m., ETV will shut off its analog transmitters. At that time, viewers who have digital service will not notice any difference on their television screen. In contrast, viewers who have analog television sets will see an on-screen message that provides information about actions they may need to take in order to be compliant with guidelines for this transition.

Normal programming will resume at 7:35 p.m.

Earlier in the evening at 7 p.m. and again at 7:35 p.m., ETV will air Digital TV 101, half-hour specials that take a down-to-earth approach to explaining the DTV transition and digital TV basics. During the broadcasts, viewers will gain useful insight on topics including:

• The difference between digital TV and HDTV
• The numbers and letters associated with new television sets and what they mean
• The pros and cons of the new types of television sets
• How to receive a coupon from the government to purchase a converter

Complementing the statewide telecast, ETV has developed a free online short course that is available now at http://www.myetv.org/dtv. This interactive Web site addresses many of the same topics featured in the television program and includes an area that allows visitors to ask questions and submit comments, plus a printable shopping guide is also available as a ready reference for viewers who decide to purchase a new television set.

South Carolina ETV is the state's public educational broadcasting network with 11 television and eight radio transmitters, and a multi-media educational system in more than 2,500 schools, colleges, businesses and government agencies. Using television, radio and the web, SCETV's mission is to enrich lives by educating children, informing and connecting citizens, celebrating our culture and environment and instilling the joy of learning.

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For more information, contact Rob Schaller at (803) 737-6556 or rschaller@scetv.org.