KPHO analog signoff captured on a 1948 set.

KPHO TV 5 in Phoenix, Arizona was Arizona's first television broadcaster. It was also the last station to broadcast regular programming over the analog airwaves when it switched to provide only "nightlight" service at 11:59 PM on June 12, 2009. I captured this moment with my 1948 Admiral set. The set was connected to a standard "rabbit ears" antenna and was performing "admirably" when I first turned it on at 11:30, but by 11:59, it sadly began to flicker and sputter as it's sixty-year-old capacitors began to overheat. Nevertheless, this was an historic moment.

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• KPHO
• analog
• shutoff
• Phoenix
• Admiral
• 1948
• 1949
• television
• Westward
• Ho

[deneui]

It was a bit disappointing to me because when I first turned it on the sound was clear and the picture was completely stable, but the set kept degrading with time. If I could do it again, I'd turn it on at 11:55. It was also less dramatic than I had hoped because the broadcast signal didn't actually drop away to snow. Oh well. :-)

[Bigmuny692000]

Channel 5 quit using the antenna long before 2009. Channel 5 used to be located at a building just north of the building. It's called studio 1 now.

[ongchorcool]

I heard buzzing sounds!

[mewhor]

Wow! Its like bookends on an era.

[markcrosales]

snow or no snow, that was excellent.

nicely showcased and well appreciated. Thanks for doin' this!

[TheNascarfan14]

were do you live??

[TheNascarfan14]

whats wrong with your tv????

[mountain19]

think the point to this went over most heads. what should i expect?