On December 17, every participating station will broadcast over their analog signals information that explains the upcoming transition to DTV and directs viewers to resources for further assistance. While the timing and length of the tests vary by station and state, they range from one to five minutes and many will occur during evening newscasts. In addition to statewide phone banks, some television stations will host their own call centers to answer consumer questions.

In collaboration with the FCC, NAB has been working with member stations and state broadcast associations to help coordinate a national analog shut-off, which will be the largest and most inclusive such test conducted to date. More than 400 television stations across the country have already participated in market wide and statewide DTV consumer readiness testing.

By February 17, 2009, all full-power stations must begin broadcasting exclusively in digital. Consumers who rely on free over-the-air television must upgrade their TV sets or risk losing reception after that date. NAB is leading a national campaign to educate Americans on the transition and their options for upgrading to DTV.