Confused viewers flood phone banks during last week's DTV test

We're less than two months away from the end of full-power analog TV broadcasts in the U.S., but are viewers ready for the switch? No one knows for sure, but anecdotal evidence from last week's big DTV "readiness" test should ring some alarm bells.  

Check out this story from Display Daily (via the New York Times), in which home video columnist and consultant Peter Putman describes his experience manning a Philadelphia phone bank last Wednesday—the date of the massive analog TV shutoff "soft" test, in which dozens of states (including Pennsylvania) participated.

Philly's test was slated to begin at 7:30 p.m., with periodic warnings leading up to the actual test. Putman says the phone banks at CBS affiliate KYW-3 went live at 4 p.m.—and immediately began ringing off the hook. (Indeed, the phones rang so much that even the news anchors started answering calls.)

Most callers wanted to know where they could buy DTV converter boxes, how to order government coupons for the boxes, and whether they needed new antennas, Putman wrote.

More worrisome, noted Putman: Many seniors with analog TVs and over-the-air antennas said they didn't own computers, and that they "weren't clear" or "intimidated" by the prospect of ordering coupons on the Web. Putman also said he had a hard time talking seniors through the process of hooking up the converter boxes—especially those with hearing and vision problems.

Finally, there were "numerous" callers who seemed to be "either procrastinating, in denial, or who juts haven't gotten the message," Putman wrote.

Huh … doesn't sound good. Indeed, I'm starting to agree with FCC Commissioner Jonathan Adelstein, who argued earlier this month that the commission must prepare to handle about two million calls in the days following the February 17, 2009 DTV transition.

Here's one thing you can do: Reach out to your family, friends and neighbors—especially seniors and those who don't ready tech blogs every day—and ask them if they're ready for the analog shutoff. You could even print out the tips and coupon applications on DTV2009.gov and hand them out as stocking stuffers, or help Gramps hook up his new converter box.

Meanwhile … are you ready? Read our complete guide to the DTV transition right here.

Related:
Ready? Who’s Ready? [Display Daily]