KGW NewsChannel 8 is "pulling the plug" to help viewers find out if their TV is ready for the conversion to Digital TV.

On Friday, July 18th during the 6 pm newcast, KGW will briefly turn off its analog signal.

Viewers with a TV ready for DTV will continue to see KGW's digital signal. Viewers with TV sets not yet converted for DTV will see only "snow" during this 10-second test.

During the 6 pm newscast, KGW Business Reporter Joe Smith will turn off our Analog Transmitter on Channel 8. A few moments later, he will turn it back on. There will be two monitors next to Joe that will show the picture on KGW digital and KGW analog. The digital will remain on, but the analog will go off.

Viewers who are receiving an analog signal will only see “snow” when the transmitter is turned off. Unless they (or their cable operator) takes action before the conversion to ditigal in February, they could lose their TV signal.

Immediately following the test, Joe Smith will review the actions consumers can take to insure they are able to receive a TV signal after the mandatory February 17, 2009 conversion to digital transmission.

Read more:

What to do if your TV went to "snow"

DTV Answers