Here's an update on the special DTV test conducted this week by KGMB9 in Honolulu.  I wrote about this test a few days ago.  The station ended all its newscasts on Monday with a 10 second test for viewers to see if their TV sets are ready for the conversion to digital TV next February.

KGMB9 marketing director Candace Hirleman reports that the test went well and generated viewer feedback, as well as articles in a Honolulu daily newspaper, and the local business journal.  The Hawaii blogosphere was also buzzing about the test.

Candace says the most surprising reaction came from viewers who called the station to report that their TV set had failed the test - and to ask "does that really mean I can't get digital TV?"  She says it was like they could not - or did not - want to  believe their TV could become obsolete in a few months.

KGMB9 plans to run the DTV test again in early 2009 - as the digital deadline approaches.  Candace says there is also talk about an electronics chain sponsoring the test next time.

Jim Willi