Television stations in 42 states and the District of Columbia conducted the first-ever national consumer readiness test on December 17 – exactly two months out from the nationwide transition to digital television (DTV).

A toll-free number available to viewers in some of nation's top metropolitan areas, including Los Angeles and Chicago, registered more than 30,000 calls. A majority of phone calls in most areas were from viewers requesting information about the converter box coupon program, as well as help with hooking up their converter boxes. In addition to statewide phone banks, some television stations hosted their own call centers to answer consumer questions.

Each participating station broadcast over their analog signals information that explained the upcoming transition to DTV and directed viewers to resources for further assistance. The timing and length of the tests varied by station and state, but in general, they ranged between one to five minutes long and many occurred during evening hours.

The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) worked with the Federal Communications Commission to help coordinate the national analog shut-off, which was the largest and most inclusive test conducted to date. Most stations will participate in another nationwide test planned for mid-January 2009.