From the Wires: FCC plans to go through with DTV test in NC

This weekend is expected to be a big one as the nation's first local market shuts off its analog signals in a test situation that will determine how bad the February 17, 2009, shutoff will be for consumers across the country.

It looks like even a storm won't delay the test.

WASHINGTON (AP) -- The chairman of the Federal Communications Commission says he's unlikely to delay plans for an important test in North Carolina that could disrupt television service for some viewers in the path of Tropical Storm Hanna.

The Wilmington, North Carolina, television market is taking part in a test for the national conversion to digital broadcasting. The city's four commercial network affiliates will stop broadcasting an analog signal at noon Monday. The move will leave viewers who aren't ready for the digital change unable to watch those channels. FCC Chairman Kevin Martin says since it appears the rough weather will have moved on by the time of the test, it will go ahead as planned.

The storm has worried some emergency planners who may need to broadcast emergency messages. Martin says if a decision is made to postpone the test, it will be announced Sunday afternoon.

Courtesy: The Associated Press