More than a dozen stations in the New York metropolitan area last week briefly turned off their analog signals to help measure viewer preparedness for the transition to digital television (DTV). It was the first such test conducted in the country's largest television market.

Thirteen stations simultaneously conducted an analog shut-off test for two minutes at 5:58 p.m. During this period, a message appeared on screen informing viewers that their TV sets still needed to be upgraded to digital. The message also directed viewers to a telephone helpline or to www.dtv.gov, the Federal Communications Commission's Web site on the transition.

The New York test was part of a series of tests organized by ION Media Networks and other broadcasters. They plan to conduct analog shut-offs in Los Angeles, Washington, D.C., and Hartford later this year among other markets with varied population densities and terrains.