Digital TV transition may get an early test

Washington Post

WASHINGTON — Government agencies and broadcasters are working on plans for an early test of the digital TV transition, saying the number of people still unprepared to make the switch has been cut, but that millions of Americans remain at risk of losing television reception next month.

One approach under consideration, as the June 12 digital TV transition day approaches, is a nationwide flick of the switch slated for May 21.

Owners of older television sets that have not been equipped with a converter box will be able to tell for certain whether they’re prepared for the age of digital programming.

Details of the test, in which broadcasters would switch from analog to digital broadcasts for a few minutes, are still in the works.