Who-TV has been busy preparing its viewers for the television transition coming February 9, 2009.

Recently, the local Iowa broadcast television station, conducted a test to determine whether viewers are prepared to go digital. An estimated 18 percent of Des Moines, Iowa residents currently get their TV signals over the air.

Ready to go digital? The "Who Test" involved running a banner containing text instructing viewers to switch over to the digital channel to see the same program in progress without the banner. Viewers unable to do so will recognize that they are not ready to go digital.

According Dale Woods, VP and general manager of Who-TV, the digital test was "Fantastic." He explained that the test really helped viewers realize the reality of the transition, and that is not so far away.

Why is this important? Call this test an innovative way of nudging the public into taking action before the change. And perhaps as Iowa goes, so goes the whole nation. Either way, the change is coming and viewers throughout the U.S. need to make the switch sooner rather than later.