Getting your player ready...
Television viewers who rely on free over-the-air programs got a surprise Monday as 18 stations in Colorado simulated the end of analog broadcasting, leaving sets with static and messages to get ready for the real switch in February 2009.
Stations based in Denver, Pueblo, Colorado Springs and Grand Junction shut down the analog feeds for up to five minutes, first between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., then again between 5 and 10 p.m.
Viewers with questions were directed to a toll-free hotline still active at 866-961- 1703. Only those without digital service would see the messages.
The call center was busy, but no real problems were reported.
