It has been well publicized that in February, high-powered television stations will switch from their analog signal and broadcast exclusively in a digital format.

Many stations across the state will be testing their digital transmitters Wednesday, shutting down their analog signal for the duration of the test.

Beth Gordon, of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, said this test will be a good way for viewers to determine if they are prepared for the digital conversion.

The N.T.I.A. announced this test is voluntary for stations, it will occur during the 6:00 – 6:30 p.m. time block, and will last for 60 seconds.

Television stations taking part in this test include:  WCNC-TV Charlotte, WJZY-TV Charlotte, and WSOC-TV Charlotte.

Remember, if televisions are connected to cable, or the television has an internal digital receiver, viewers will not be affected by the transition.  Only television sets that don’t have a digital receiver and get air signal through an antenna will need to be hooked up to a digital converter box.

Converter boxes start at around $40 and according to Gordon, the N.T.I.A. is helping distribute government coupons worth $40 to help viewers afford these boxes.

More information about these coupons can be found at www.dtv2009.gov.