View source for Engineering:Sign-on and sign-off

{{short description|Beginning and ending of operations for a radio or television station}}
[[File:ARD signoff voiceover.ogg|thumb|The closing announcement of ARD as heard in 1993 (in German).]]
[[File:ABS-CBN broadcast sign-off on May 5, 2020.png|thumb|210px|right|The sign-off message broadcast by DWWX-TV (ABS-CBN Manila) before stopping all broadcasts at {{Format time|19|52|hour_format=g|tz=PHT}} in compliance with the NTC order because of the expiration of its franchise on May 5, 2020.]]

A '''sign-on''' (or '''start-up''' in Commonwealth countries except Canada) is the beginning of operations for a radio or [[Engineering:Television station|television station]], generally at the start of each day. It is the opposite of a '''sign-off''' (or '''closedown''' in Commonwealth countries except Canada), which is the sequence of operations involved when a radio or [[Engineering:Television station|television station]] shuts down its [[Engineering:Transmitter|transmitter]]s and goes off the air for a predetermined period; generally, this occurs during the overnight hours although a broadcaster's digital specialty or sub-channels may sign-on and sign-off at significantly different times as its main channels.

Like other television programming, sign-on and sign-off sequences can be initiated by a [[Engineering:Broadcast automation|broadcast automation]] system, and [[Engineering:Automatic transmission system|automatic transmission system]]s can turn the carrier signal and transmitter on/off by [[Engineering:Remote control|remote control]].{{efn|Conversely, [[Engineering:Broadcast automation|broadcast automation]] has greatly reduced the number of sign-offs, as the local operator can hand off control to a commonly-owned regional station and leave their automated systems to run [[Engineering:Graveyard slot|graveyard slot]] infomercials or pass unedited network feeds through with little more than a pause for automated [[Engineering:Station identification|station identification]]. A few may even use "we're always on" as a selling point, although it is becoming the rule rather than the exception.}}

Sign-on and sign-off sequences have become less common due to the increasing prevalence of 24/7 broadcasting. However, some national broadcasters continue the practice; particularly those in countries with limited broadcast coverage. Stations may also sometimes close for transmitter maintenance, or to allow another station to broadcast on the same channel space.<ref>An example of this is the {{wipe|United Kingdom}}’s BBC Four/CBeebies and the [[Place:Czech Republic|Czech Republic]]'s ČT art/ČT Déčko.</ref>

==Sign-on/start-up==
Sign-ons, like sign-offs, vary from country to country, from station to station, and from time to time; however, most follow a similar general pattern. It is common for sign-ons to be followed by a network's early morning [[Engineering:News broadcasting|newscast]], or their [[Engineering:Breakfast television|morning or breakfast show]].

Some broadcasters that have ceased signing on and signing off in favour of 24-hour broadcasting may perform a sign-on sequence at a certain time in the morning (usually between 4:00 and 7:00&nbsp;a.m.) as a formality to signify the start of its operating day (in the United States, the broadcast logging day begins at 6:00&nbsp;a.m. local time).{{citation needed|date=December 2019}}

===Sign-on/start-up sequence===
The sign-on sequence may include some or all of the following stages, but not necessarily in this order:
* For television or radio stations that cut off their signal during off-broadcast hours, a [[Engineering:Test card|test pattern]] or a static image accompanied by a 400&nbsp;[[Hertz|Hz]] tone, a 1&nbsp;[[Hertz|kHz]] tone (or other single-sine-wave tones) or music may be broadcast fifteen to twenty minutes before the actual sign-on. Digital channels may still run overnight programs or interstitials at this time (''ITV Nightscreen'' in the United Kingdom being an example), which conclude when the station's main programming schedule begins.
* A signal to turn on remote [[Engineering:Transmitter|transmitter]]s may be played—this is usually a series of [[Engineering:Dual-tone multi-frequency signaling|touch tones]].
* On radio stations, especially international stations on [[Physics:Shortwave radio|shortwave]], an interval signal may be played in a loop, usually for 3 to 5 minutes before the actual broadcast starts.
* Technical information is provided. This can include [[Engineering:Station identification|station identification]] (call sign and city of license), [[Physics:Transmitter power output|transmitter power]], frequency or channel number, translators used, transmitter locations, list of broadcast engineers, and/or studio/transmitter links (STL).
* A television station may show a video and photo montage set to the national anthem or other patriotic piece of music. The accompanying television video may include images of the national flag, the [[Social:Head of state|head of state]], [[Social:Folk hero|national hero]]es, national military soldiers, national symbols, and other [[Social:Nationalism|nationalistic]] imagery (especially on [[Social:State ownership|state-owned]] broadcasters), or simply the station [[Engineering:Station identification|ident]].  In the case of television stations broadcasting to audiences [[Engineering:Border blaster|in more than one country]], the flags and national symbols of each country in turn may be shown, with its respective national anthem being played.
* Ownership information about the station, and a list of related organizations.
* A video of people singing an opening song, or opening dance performance to start the day.
* A greeting to viewers or listeners.
* Contact information, such as street and mailing addresses, telephone number, email, and website details.
* A [[Unsolved:Prayer|prayer]] or other religious acknowledgement, particularly in countries with a [[Religion:State religion|state religion]], in [[Social:Theocracy|theocracies]], and on religious broadcasters. 
* A schedule for the upcoming programs, or the day's programs.
* A disclaimer that station programming is taped, aired live, or originates from a [[Engineering:Television network|television]] or radio network.
* Another disclaimer that programs are for personal use only (sometimes with information on [[Copyright|copyright]] restrictions), and a statement that businesses cannot profit from showing them by applying a [[Finance:Cover charge|cover charge]] for viewing.
* A statement of commitment to quality; this may be in the form of a recognized standard, such as the {{wipe|Philippines}}' Broadcast Code of the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas ''(Association of Broadcasters of the Philippines).''
* A [[Engineering:Station identification|station identification]], including some or all of the [[Engineering:Television channel|television channel]], [[Physics:Amplitude modulation|AM]] or [[Physics:Frequency modulation|FM]] [[Physics:Frequency|frequency]], call sign, [[Social:Brand|brand]]ing, and a clock ident.
* Generally a station jingle or slogan will be played, accompanied on television with video clips featuring station programming or personalities. The Start-Up/Sign-On Notice is announced after the national anthem.

While most of these sign-on steps are done as a service to the public, or for advertising reasons, some of them may be required by the government of the country.{{citation needed|date=October 2014}}

==Sign-off/closedown==
Sign-offs, like sign-ons, vary from country to country, from station to station, and from time to time; however, most follow a similar general pattern. Many stations follow the reverse process to their sign-on sequence at the start of the day.

Many stations, while no longer conducting a sign-off and being off air for a period of time each day, instead run low&ndash;cost programming during those times of low viewer numbers. This may include infomercials, movies, television show reruns, simple [[Earth:Weather forecasting|weather forecasts]], low cost news or infotainment programming from other suppliers, simulcasts of sister services, or feeds of local cable TV companies' programming via a fiber optic line to the cable headend. Other broadcasters that are part of a radio or [[Engineering:Television network|television network]] may run an unedited feed of the network's overnight programming from a central location, without local advertising.  During what are otherwise closedown hours, some channels may also simulcast their teletext pages or full page headlines with music or feeds from sister radio stations playing in the background.  Some stations, after doing a sign-off, nonetheless continue to transmit throughout the off-air period on cable/satellite; this transmission may involve a test pattern, static image, local [[Earth:Weather radar|weather radar]] display, teletext pages or full-page headlines which was accompanied by music or a local [[Engineering:Weather radio|weather radio]] service.

Some broadcasters that have ceased signing on and signing off in favour of 24-hour broadcasting may perform a sign-off sequence at a certain time in the night (usually between 10:00 pm and 1:00&nbsp;a.m.) as a formality to signify the end of its operating day (in the United States, the broadcast logging day ends at 12:00 midnight local time).

===Sign-off/closedown sequence===
[[File:RCA Indian Head Test Pattern.svg|thumb|Indian-head test pattern used in North America]]
The sign-off sequence may include some or all of the following stages, but not necessarily in this order:

* An announcement informing viewers that the station is about to go off-air: it may also include a message of thanks for the viewer's patronage, along with an announcement of the time when the station is scheduled to sign on again.
* A station jingle or slogan may be played, accompanied on television with video clips featuring station programming or personalities,<ref>{{Citation |title=institucional snt |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=niIcD4ijjqA |language=en |access-date=2022-09-13 |archive-date=2022-09-13 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220913202253/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=niIcD4ijjqA |url-status=live }}</ref> or perhaps stock scenes from the station's main city/cities. A series of program trailers may also be played.
* A [[Unsolved:Prayer|prayer]], [[Religion:Hymn|hymn]], or other religious acknowledgement, particularly in countries with a [[Religion:State religion|state religion]] or [[Social:Theocracy|theocracies]], and on religious broadcasters. Other channels may opt for a pre-taped [[Engineering:Sermonette|sermonette]] or something similar. See section below.
* A short weather forecast and newscast:<ref name="wbck-20190322">{{cite web |last1=James |first1=Brandon |title=Watch These Old West Michigan Television Sign-offs Before You Go To Bed |url=https://wbckfm.com/old-michigan-television-sign-offs/ |website=WBCK |publisher=Townsquare Media |access-date=16 March 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190403162922/https://wbckfm.com/old-michigan-television-sign-offs/ |archive-date=3 April 2019 |location=Battle Creek |date=22 March 2019 |url-status=live}}</ref> some channels in the United Kingdom also used to include a public information film.
* A clock ident, which can be silent, play music or feature an announcer. 
* A program guide for the following day's programs.<ref>{{Citation |title=ITV Nightscreen - Friday 19th March 2021 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mAcrRmKAq38 |language=en |access-date=2022-06-26 |archive-date=2022-06-26 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220626181647/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mAcrRmKAq38 |url-status=live }}</ref>
* [[Engineering:Closing credits|Closing credits]] acknowledging announcers, technicians and other crew who operated the day's broadcast.<ref>{{Citation |title=Sign off WBIS NYC 1997 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MyiFHeYrrsk |language=en |access-date=2022-06-26 |archive-date=2022-12-05 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221205150015/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MyiFHeYrrsk |url-status=live }}</ref>
* Ownership information about the station and their parent company, as well as their contact information.<ref name="wbck-20190322"/>
* A video of people singing a closing song, or closing dance performance to end the day's broadcast.
* A disclaimer that programs are for personal use only (sometimes with information on [[Copyright|copyright]] restrictions), and a statement that businesses cannot profit from showing them by applying a [[Finance:Cover charge|cover charge]] for viewing.
* The viewer may be encouraged to view or listen to alternative services during the station's downtime; these are usually sister or affiliate stations.
* A statement of commitment to quality, usually in the form of a recognized standard: in the Philippines, it is usually the Broadcast Code of the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas ''(Association of Broadcasters of the Philippines)'', while in the United States, it was (until 1983) the Television Code of the National Association of Broadcasters. Same as the start-up, the closedown/sign-off notice is shown before the National Anthem.  
* A television station may show a video and photo montage set to the national anthem or other patriotic piece of music. The accompanying television video may include images of the national flag, the [[Social:Head of state|head of state]], [[Social:Folk hero|national heroes]], national military soldiers, national symbols, and other [[Social:Nationalism|nationalistic]] imagery (especially on [[Social:State ownership|state-owned]] broadcasters,<ref>{{Citation |title=CCTV-7 (China) Sign-off (00:45 BST - 17/05/2020) |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OjURZEG7NRc |language=en |access-date=2022-06-26 |archive-date=2022-06-26 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220626183510/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OjURZEG7NRc&gl=US&hl=en |url-status=live }}</ref> but sometimes on privately-owned ones too), or simply the station [[Engineering:Station identification|ident]].<ref name="wbck-20190322"/>  In the case of television stations broadcasting to audiences [[Engineering:Border blaster|in more than one country]], the flags and national symbols of each country in turn may be shown, with its respective national anthem being played.
* The station may display some type of novelty item, such as an animated character, particular to that station or its locale.
* Stations in the German-speaking parts of Europe (DACH) would use a slide with the station logo and the word ''Sendeschluss'' (in Germany and Austria also alternatively spelt ''Sendeschluß'' with an eszett, meaning "shutdown"), shown prior to the test card (as opposed to before the signal being cut) to tell the viewer to switch off their sets. This practice ceased around 1994–96.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Chronik der ARD {{!}} Das Erste rund um die Uhr|url=http://web.ard.de/ard-chronik/index/3466?year=1995&month=9|access-date=2020-07-04|website=web.ard.de|archive-date=2020-07-05|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200705001132/http://web.ard.de/ard-chronik/index/3466?year=1995&month=9|url-status=live}}</ref>
* Viewers may be reminded to turn off their television sets just prior to the transmitter being switched off. This was historically practised in the United Kingdom and in many parts of the Eastern Bloc, and is still in regular practice in some places like {{wipe|Russia}} and some areas of {{wipe|Japan}}{{Citation needed|date=July 2020}}. Sometimes, a loud tone may be played on the audio to encourage sleeping viewers to turn their television sets off, in order to prevent electricity wastage and to mitigate the risk of fire and/or explosions occurring in older TV sets.
* On channels intended for young children, a short video may be shown of the channel's characters or hosts going to bed, before showing a loop of them sleeping throughout the night until programming resumes the following morning.<ref>{{cite AV media |date=20 June 2017 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tOAs8AWMqjY |title=Disney Junior Nordic Close Down and Sleeping Night Loop 2017 |publisher=VGX / TVHolidays |via=[[Company:YouTube|YouTube]] |access-date=4 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191113172932/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tOAs8AWMqjY&gl=US&hl=en |archive-date=13 November 2019 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite AV media |date=28 May 2016 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zcg5_IYQ9aQ |title=DR Ramasjang godnat (2016) |publisher=TelevisionIdents |via=[[Company:YouTube|YouTube]] |access-date=4 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210522054844/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zcg5_IYQ9aQ |archive-date=22 May 2021 |url-status=live}}</ref>
* Finally, stations may show a [[Engineering:Test card|test card]],<ref name="wbck-20190322"/> station logo, a loop of the station ident, a black screen, or a static schedule (telling viewers of the programming line-up once broadcasting resumes), usually with a monotone sound or a relay of a radio station: some stations, such as BBC Two, may show a sequence of teletext pages, while others may use a promotional video or a series of infomercials. Other stations may simply cut off the signal, usually by sending a series of touch tones to turn off remote [[Engineering:Transmitter|transmitter]]s, which resulted in [[Physics:White noise|static]] on an analog television signal. Others may switch into a 24-hour channel or show archived programming.{{efn|Standard practice tends to vary between countries. Canadian stations tend to leave a test card up after sign-off. US stations most often drop carrier signals entirely after sign-off to conserve energy. Finnish stations and some Japanese stations would leave a grey screen for approximately 1 minute after sign-off before cutting signal entirely.}}

Some countries have a legal protocol for signing-off: in the United States, the minimum requirement is the station's callsign, followed by its designated city of license.<ref>{{cite web
| url=https://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/CFR-2010-title47-vol4/pdf/CFR-2010-title47-vol4-sec73-1201.pdf
| title=47 CFR 73.1201 (a)(2)
| publisher=Federal Communications Commission
| access-date=2016-07-23
| archive-date=2016-06-29
| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160629130614/https://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/CFR-2010-title47-vol4/pdf/CFR-2010-title47-vol4-sec73-1201.pdf
| url-status=live
}}</ref> Many stations do include other protocols, such as the national anthem or transmitter information, as a custom, or as a service to the public.

In the United Kingdom, before the introduction of 24-hour television, there was no known legal protocol for a sign-off: BBC One and many ITV regions customarily included a continuity announcement, clock and the country's national anthem (for BBC One Wales and HTV Wales, ''Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau'' was also played beforehand), while BBC Two, Granada, Border, and Channel 4 signed-off with just a continuity announcement, clock and ident.

In {{wipe|Germany}}, it is a custom to play the national anthem (for Bayerischer Rundfunk and stations owned by ProSiebenSat.1 Media, the ''Bayernhymne'' was also played beforehand) and the European Union anthem.

In {{wipe|Spain}}, it is a custom to play the national anthem (for RTVA, [[Company:EITB|EITB]] and Televisión de Galicia, ''La bandera blanca y verde'', ''Eusko Abendaren Ereserkia'' and ''Os Pinos'' was also played beforehand respectively).

In the {{wipe|United States}}, it is common for a brief news reel to be broadcast over the station's logo, often accompanied by [[Social:Public service announcement|public service]] and missing and most wanted persons announcements.

== Religious acknowledgements during sign-on and sign-off ==
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
!'''Country'''
!'''Religious acknowledgement'''
|-
|{{flagicon|Algeria}} Algeria
|Quran reading<ref>{{cite AV media |date=8 February 2015 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wbCd8NoiUf8 |title=Hymne national algérien (Archive Algerian TV 1996) |publisher=Baboul |via=[[Company:YouTube|YouTube]] |access-date=4 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107162116/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wbCd8NoiUf8 |archive-date=7 January 2021 |url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
|{{flagicon|Armenia}} [[Place:Armenia|Armenia]]
|Christian blessing<ref>http://www.intervalsignals.net/Files/arm-public_radio_domestic_290908.m3u {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200716035727/http://www.intervalsignals.net/Files/arm-public_radio_domestic_290908.m3u |date=2020-07-16 }} {{Bare URL inline|date=June 2022}}</ref>
|-
|{{flagicon|Antigua and Barbuda}} Antigua and Barbuda
|Christian hymn
|-
|{{flagicon|Australia}} {{wipe|Australia}}
|Christian hymn
|-
|{{flagicon|Austria}} Austria
|Bible reading, responsorial psalm or Christian prayer
|-
|{{flagicon|Bangladesh}} Bangladesh
|Quran, Bhagvad Gita, Tripitaka or Bible reading
|-
|{{flagicon|Barbados}} Barbados
|Christian hymn
|-
|{{flagicon|Bhutan}} Bhutan
|Buddhist hymn<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://youtube.com/watch?v=jBUyb7Lrjo4 |title=Bhuthan Broadcasting Service (BBS) FULL BROADCAST |website=[[Company:YouTube|YouTube]] |access-date=2022-04-27 |archive-date=2022-04-27 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220427105715/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jBUyb7Lrjo4&gl=US&hl=en |url-status=live }}</ref>
|-
|{{flagicon|Bolivia}} Bolivia
|Christian sermonette or prayer<ref>{{cite AV media |date=15 July 2020 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EycV1gCAWsA |title=TV-DX TVB Internacional Bolivia, opening and breakfast TV 27.03.2001 |publisher=EifelDX |via=[[Company:YouTube|YouTube]] |access-date=4 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200907185722/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EycV1gCAWsA&t=185s |archive-date=7 September 2020 |url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
|{{flagicon|Brazil}} {{wipe|Brazil}}
|Christian programme<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Bx9l3_V-Fw | title=- YouTube | website=[[Company:YouTube|YouTube]] | access-date=2020-07-16 | archive-date=2020-09-06 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200906060343/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Bx9l3_V-Fw | url-status=live }}</ref>
|-
|{{flagicon|Brunei}} Brunei
|Quran reading<ref>{{cite AV media |date=9 July 2020 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7HnvjCw2k0U |title=RTB Sukmaindera Startup |publisher=connor-tv |via=[[Company:YouTube|YouTube]] |access-date=4 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200904194229/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7HnvjCw2k0U |archive-date=4 September 2020 |url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
|{{flagicon|Canada}} {{wipe|Canada}}
|Christian sermonette<ref>{{cite AV media |date=12 February 2015 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t7Be6MVNz10 |title=CKY-TV Sign-Off (1983) |publisher=bmuz |via=[[Company:YouTube|YouTube]] |access-date=4 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200904210527/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t7Be6MVNz10 |archive-date=4 September 2020 |url-status=live}}</ref> (English-language channels) or responsorial psalm (French-language channels)
|-
|{{flagicon|Egypt}} [[Place:Egypt|Egypt]]
|Quran reading<ref>{{cite AV media |date=25 February 2017 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JdY-i58tai0 |title=TV-DX ERTU CH1 05.10.1993 |publisher=EifelDX |via=[[Company:YouTube|YouTube]] |access-date=4 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200930234120/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JdY-i58tai0 |archive-date=30 September 2020 |url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
|{{flagicon|Ethiopia}} Ethiopia
|Bible reading or Christian prayer
|-
|{{flagicon|France}} {{wipe|France}}
|Responsorial psalm
|-
|{{flagicon|Germany}} {{wipe|Germany}}
|Bible reading, responsorial psalm or Christian prayer
|-
|{{flagicon|Greece}} Greece
|Christian prayer<ref>http://www.intervalsignals.net/Files/grc-z-yened_rvd_1974.m3u {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160328150838/http://www.intervalsignals.net/Files/grc-z-yened_rvd_1974.m3u |date=2016-03-28 }} {{Bare URL inline|date=June 2022}}</ref>
|-
|{{flagicon|Grenada}} Grenada
|Christian hymn
|-
|{{flagicon|Indonesia}} Indonesia
|Quran reading<ref>{{cite AV media |date=20 April 2023 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=10O57OiVNNg |title=Siaran penutup SCTV tahun 2001 |publisher=widiajier |via=[[Company:YouTube|YouTube]] |access-date=1 July 2023 }}</ref>
|-
|{{flagicon|Iran}} [[Religion:Iran|Iran]]
|Quran reading<ref>{{cite AV media |date=18 December 2019 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MTZrYZ6rHNk |title=IRIB Pooya Sign Off IRIB Nahal Sign On (December 18, 2019) |publisher=EnzoTheGreatWare |via=[[Company:YouTube|YouTube]] |access-date=4 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200904230921/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MTZrYZ6rHNk |archive-date=4 September 2020 |url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
|{{flagicon|Ireland}} Ireland
|Christian prayer<ref>{{cite AV media |date=18 July 2013 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rCIFhSv-XVs |title=RTÉ Closedown November 1995 |publisher=myyoutubename |via=[[Company:YouTube|YouTube]] |access-date=4 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201125063847/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rCIFhSv-XVs |archive-date=25 November 2020 |url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
|{{flagicon|Israel}} [[Place:Israel|Israel]]
|Psuko Shel Yom<ref>{{cite AV media |date=28 December 2009 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-fiSnHG57GM |title=Psuko Shel Yom1.wmv |publisher=shirlytwo |via=[[Company:YouTube|YouTube]] |access-date=4 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210515184212/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-fiSnHG57GM |archive-date=15 May 2021 |url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
|{{flagicon|Jordan}} Jordan
|Quran reading<ref>http://www.intervalsignals.net/Files/jor-rj_arabic_250207.m3u {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200716014235/http://www.intervalsignals.net/Files/jor-rj_arabic_250207.m3u |date=2020-07-16 }} {{Bare URL inline|date=June 2022}}</ref>
|-
|{{flagicon|Kenya}} Kenya
|Bible reading 
|-
|{{flagicon|Libya}} [[Place:Libya|Libya]]
|Quran reading<ref>{{cite web | url=http://ing-sat.what.hu/satlogos/libya.htm | title=Libya | access-date=2020-07-16 | archive-date=2020-07-14 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200714232951/http://ing-sat.what.hu/satlogos/libya.htm | url-status=live }}</ref>
|-
|{{flagicon|Malaysia}} Malaysia
|Quran reading<ref>{{cite AV media |date=13 January 2017 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IiMyRtYRiW4 |title=RTM TV1 Morning Startup (6:00am) 14.1.2017 |publisher=Radziah Razuan |via=[[Company:YouTube|YouTube]] |access-date=4 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201008135526/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IiMyRtYRiW4 |archive-date=8 October 2020 |url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
|{{flagicon|Morocco}} Morocco
|Quran reading<ref>{{cite AV media |date=17 March 2017 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DOsRo9jrt0E |title=TV-DX 2M Morocco 01.12.1993 |publisher=EifelDX |via=[[Company:YouTube|YouTube]] |access-date=4 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210328031215/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DOsRo9jrt0E |archive-date=28 March 2021 |url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
|{{flagicon|Myanmar}} Myanmar
|Buddhist quote<ref>{{cite AV media |date=16 February 2020 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kzUyABJ7ZWc |title=ภาพทดสอบ / ident / เพลงชาติเมียนมาร์ - กะบามะเจ (พ.ศ. 2563) {{!}} ช่อง MRTV HD |publisher=เพลงชาติผ่านดาวเทียมซับไทย AnthemOnTVSatelliteSubThai |via=[[Company:YouTube|YouTube]] |access-date=4 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201012121333/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kzUyABJ7ZWc |archive-date=12 October 2020 |url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
|{{flagicon|Nepal}} Nepal
|Hindu song or inspirational message<ref>{{Cite book|url = https://books.google.com/books?id=PpfzDQAAQBAJ&q=radio+nepal+bhajan+sign+on&pg=PT186|title = Tourism and Memories of Home: Migrants, Displaced People, Exiles and Diasporic Communities|isbn = 9781845416058|last1 = Marschall|first1 = Sabine|date = 3 February 2017| publisher=Channel View Publications |access-date = 14 December 2020|archive-date = 24 March 2022|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220324162029/https://books.google.com/books?id=PpfzDQAAQBAJ&q=radio+nepal+bhajan+sign+on&pg=PT186|url-status = live}}</ref>
|-
|{{flagicon|Niger}} Niger
|Quran reading<ref>{{cite AV media |date=26 March 2017 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8zbpITJKUZg |title=TV-DX Tele Sahel opening, news and closedown 17.11.1993 |publisher=EifelDX |via=[[Company:YouTube|YouTube]] |access-date=4 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201211060752/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8zbpITJKUZg |archive-date=11 December 2020 |url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
|{{flagicon|Pakistan}} {{wipe|Pakistan}}
|Quran reading<ref>{{cite AV media |date=10 June 2020 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P_z-EPRS4w4 |title=TV-DX PTV Pakistan Testcard and opening, some news 08.09.1994 |publisher=EifelDX |via=[[Company:YouTube|YouTube]] |access-date=4 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210326010801/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P_z-EPRS4w4 |archive-date=26 March 2021 |url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
|{{flagicon|Peru}} Peru
|Christian prayer<ref>{{cite AV media |date=6 May 2020 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YS0YxwyxcJc |title=Frecuencia Latina - Años 90: Himno Nacional y Padre Nuestro |publisher=Claudio Cordero |via=[[Company:YouTube|YouTube]] |access-date=4 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210328072947/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YS0YxwyxcJc |archive-date=28 March 2021 |url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
|{{flagicon|Philippines}} {{wipe|Philippines}}
|Christian prayer<ref>{{cite AV media |date=21 May 2010 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YYQ0yYtkSPg |title=NBN-4 Overnite Prayer & Sign-Off 2009 |publisher=deniel013 |via=[[Company:YouTube|YouTube]] |access-date=4 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201004041554/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YYQ0yYtkSPg |archive-date=4 October 2020 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YTG0lBEKHdA |title=DZRH Sign Off – Tony Boy Bautista (YouTube) |website=[[Company:YouTube|YouTube]] |access-date=2022-03-08 |archive-date=2022-03-08 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220308130319/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YTG0lBEKHdA |url-status=live }}</ref>
|-
|{{flagicon|Poland}} {{wipe|Poland}}
|Responsorial psalm and Alleluia 
|-
|{{flagicon|Saint Lucia}} Saint Lucia
|Christian hymn
|-
|{{flagicon|Saint Vincent and the Grenadines}} Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
|Christian prayer
|-
|{{flagicon|Saudi Arabia}} Saudi Arabia
|Quran reading<ref>{{cite AV media |date=20 June 2020 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UwYO4Y_0dNc |title=TV-DX ART-1, Saudi Arabia 06.01.1994 |publisher=EifelDX |via=[[Company:YouTube|YouTube]] |access-date=4 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201003082554/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UwYO4Y_0dNc |archive-date=3 October 2020 |url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
|{{flagicon|South Africa}} {{wipe|South Africa}}
|Christian prayer and/or sermonette
|-
|{{flagicon|Spain}} {{wipe|Spain}}
|Bible reading 
|-
|{{flagicon|Sri Lanka}} Sri Lanka
|Buddhist prayer<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bDbJ7rSxX5Q |title=Rupavahini Closedown (2020) |website=[[Company:YouTube|YouTube]] |access-date=2022-03-08 |archive-date=2022-03-08 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220308064902/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bDbJ7rSxX5Q |url-status=live }}</ref> or Hindu prayer
|-
|{{flagicon|Syria}} [[Place:Syria|Syria]]
|Quran reading<ref>{{cite AV media |date=1 December 2017 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MgqnwCEh2fk |title=Syria TV morning Sign on with patriotic songs, national Anthem and prayer from today (1 Dec 2017) |publisher=Defenders of the Syrian Arab Republic |via=[[Company:YouTube|YouTube]] |access-date=4 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200831205356/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MgqnwCEh2fk |archive-date=31 August 2020 |url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
|{{flagicon|Thailand}} Thailand
|Buddhist quote or inspirational message<ref>{{cite AV media |date=14 September 2020 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KR8HaDFgFPA |title=ปิดสถานี ช่อง 9 (2531) |publisher=Domodarken-M |via=[[Company:YouTube|YouTube]] |access-date=4 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201018172322/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KR8HaDFgFPA&gl=US&hl=en |archive-date=18 October 2020 |url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
|{{flagicon|Trinidad and Tobago}} Trinidad and Tobago
|Christian prayer<ref>{{cite AV media |date=19 July 2013 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hjBFs_W1qUo |title=CCN TV6 Trinidad & Tobago Sign On (1990s) |publisher=mmm-Kyron-mmm |via=[[Company:YouTube|YouTube]] |access-date=4 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200423145255/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hjBFs_W1qUo&gl=US&hl=en |archive-date=23 April 2020 |url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
|{{flagicon|United Kingdom}} {{wipe|United Kingdom}}
|Christian sermonette
|-
|{{flagicon|United States}} {{wipe|United States}} 
|Christian prayer, sermonette or inspirational message<ref>{{cite AV media |date=17 November 2019 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eQ4qymrEV0M |title=Meditation/Prayer & Station Sign Off - WJAR, Providence, RI - November, 1987 (VHS) |publisher=The Basement Labs |via=[[Company:YouTube|YouTube]] |access-date=4 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201018172253/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eQ4qymrEV0M&gl=US&hl=en |archive-date=18 October 2020 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite AV media |date=7 January 2018 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aICYeqUyNAE |title=WVTV TV 18 - News Final/Lord's Prayer/Signoff/Nat'l Anthem January 21, 1984 [27 min 42 sec] |publisher=The TV Madman |via=[[Company:YouTube|YouTube]] |access-date=4 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200831153437/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aICYeqUyNAE |archive-date=31 August 2020 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite AV media |date=1 April 2008 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UReVVrbL8xs |title=1970s KTUL sign-off: Indian sign language |publisher=TulsaTV |via=[[Company:YouTube|YouTube]] |access-date=4 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210212101340/http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UReVVrbL8xs |archive-date=12 February 2021 |url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
|{{flagicon|Western Sahara}} Western Sahara 
|Quran reading<ref>{{cite AV media |date=4 July 2017 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_RysgTYFsSE |title=RASD TV - Closedown (5-7-2017) |publisher=TanaponLive HD2 |via=[[Company:YouTube|YouTube]] |access-date=4 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200905074754/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_RysgTYFsSE |archive-date=5 September 2020 |url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
|{{flagicon|Yemen}} Yemen 
|Quran reading<ref>{{cite AV media |date=4 May 2019 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v6GRCw-LR8Y |title=เพลงชาติเยเมน (วีดีโอเพลงชาติเก่าแก่ที่สุด) |publisher=เพลงชาติผ่านดาวเทียมซับไทย AnthemOnTVSatelliteSubThai |via=[[Company:YouTube|YouTube]] |access-date=4 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200717111435/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v6GRCw-LR8Y |archive-date=17 July 2020 |url-status=live}}</ref>
|}

==Special sign-on/off cases==
===Historical===
In a number of countries closedowns formerly took place during the daytime as well as overnight. In the {{wipe|United Kingdom}} this was initially due to government-imposed restrictions on daytime broadcasting hours, and later, due to budgetary constraints. The eventual relaxation of these rules meant that afternoon closedowns ceased permanently on the ITV network in October 1972, but the BBC maintained the practice until Friday 24 October 1986, before commencing a full daytime service on the following Monday. Afternoon closedowns continued in {{wipe|South Korea}} until December 2005. Hong Kong's broadcasting networks (particularly the English-speaking channels) also practiced this until mid-2008.  In these cases, the station's transmitters later did not actually shut-down for the afternoon break; either a test-card was played or a static schedule was posted telling viewers of the programming line-up once broadcasting resumes.

===Medium-wave AM===
Medium wave radio is a special case due to its unusual propagation characteristics; it can bounce hundreds of miles by reflecting from the upper atmosphere at night, but during the day these same layers absorb signal instead of reflecting. A few powerful regional [[Engineering:Clear-channel station|clear-channel station]]s have an extensive secondary coverage area which is protected by having smaller local [[Physics:Co-channel interference|co-channel]] stations in distant communities sign off shortly before sunset. A frequency on which a broadcaster has to drastically reduce power or sign off entirely at sunset was traditionally the least desirable assignment, which would usually go to small or new-entrant stations when all of the more favourable slots were already allocated.

These AM daytimers are becoming less common as stations (and audiences) migrate to FM or to frequencies vacated by the closure of other stations, but a handful still exist in the US and México.

===Religious===
====India====
During religious holidays or occasions, Doordarshan and Akashvani will broadcast a prayer of any religion through the day, a week or a month (e.g. During [[Religion:Ramadan|Ramadan]], a reading from the Quran, a Muslim quote, or a call for Azan and Fajr prayer will be broadcast. During [[Religion:Lent|Lent]], a Christian prayer, a hymn or a psalm will be broadcast).

====Israel====

During Yom Kippur, virtually all radio and television stations based in Israel go silent for 24 hours, as required by law. However, most international networks broadcast in Israel (e.g. CNN) continue to broadcast as usual.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Which television services operate on Yom Kippur in Israel? - Israel Culture - The Jerusalem Post |url=https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/culture/article-718871 | date=4 October 2022 | access-date=17 September 2023 |website=thetorah.com}}</ref>

====Malaysia====
During [[Religion:Ramadan|Ramadan]], Malaysian public broadcaster RTM operated TV1 24 hours a day instead of signing off. In 2012, TV1 broadcast 24 hours a day during the London Olympics in 2012, due to the time difference.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.budiey.com/siaran-sukan-olimpik-2012-di-london-dalam-bentuk-3d/ | title=Siaran Sukan Olimpik 2012 di London Dalam Bentuk 3D &#124; Sensasi Selebriti | date=23 July 2012 | access-date=16 July 2020 | archive-date=17 July 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200717090913/https://www.budiey.com/siaran-sukan-olimpik-2012-di-london-dalam-bentuk-3d/ | url-status=live }}</ref> This would become permanent in August 2012, to coincide with their sister channel TV2 by showing reruns from the broadcaster's archive library and movies on early mornings before start-up.

====Philippines====
During the Holy Week in the {{wipe|Philippines}} that occurs anywhere between the last week of March to the third week of April (depending on the Roman Catholic liturgical calendar), terrestrial television and radio stations continue their regular broadcast schedules from Palm Sunday until Holy Wednesday. From the midnight of Holy Thursday until the early hours of Easter Sunday (before 4 AM PHT on most commercial broadcasters), most non-religious television and radio networks either remain off-the-air for the duration of the timeframe or truncate their broadcasting hours. Special programming featured also includes Lenten drama specials, religious-themed programming and news coverage of various services and rites. Catholic Media Network member stations also follow the latter pattern, broadcasting Easter Triduum services and other similar programming.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://varsitarian.net/circle/20081117/is_philippine_tv_still_holy_week_friendly | title=Is Philippine TV still Holy Week-friendly? | date=17 November 2008 | access-date=2020-07-16 | archive-date=2020-07-16 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200716055656/https://varsitarian.net/circle/20081117/is_philippine_tv_still_holy_week_friendly | url-status=live }}</ref>

Campus radio stations' operations during this time are left to the discretion of their respective schools, colleges, or universities by either closing down on the afternoon and/or evening of Holy Wednesday or remaining off-air for the entire Holy Week.

On cable, satellite, and live TV streaming, with the exception of specialty channels that broadcast horse racing, cockfighting, and the like that remain dormant during this period, most international networks distributed in the Philippines or Philippine-exclusive cable channels continue to broadcast their 24/7 regular programming service week-long or continue with specially-arranged schedules from Holy Thursday to Black Saturday.

=====Notable historical exceptions=====
* '''2015''' - when Typhoon Maysak (Chedeng) struck Aurora, some radio and television stations that were supposed to sign-off during the Triduum before the typhoon's landfall in the Philippines, aired news updates related to the typhoon.
* '''2020''' - during the COVID-19 pandemic and the enhanced community quarantine in Luzon, government-controlled television and radio stations abandoned signing-off during the [[Religion:Paschal Triduum|Paschal Triduum]], while the daily #LagingHanda press briefings conducted by the Presidential Communications Operations Office augmented its broadcast operations. On commercial radio and television stations, news updates related to the pandemic were broadcast alongside special programming.
====Live mass====
On December 27, 2015 GMA Network aired a satellite feed from Vatican for the live mass  during Christmas. {{citation needed|date=January 2024}}

====Indonesia====
In Bali during Nyepi, all terrestrial television and radio stations go off-the-air.

==See also==
* Ceefax
* [[Engineering:Dark (broadcasting)|Dark (broadcasting)]]
* Digital television transition in the United States
* ''Goodnight Kiwi''
* [[Engineering:Indian-head test pattern|Indian-head test pattern]]
* ''ITV Nightscreen''
* Short-term Analog Flash and Emergency Readiness Act
* ''Star Gazers''
* Television closedown routines in the United Kingdom
* Test Card F
* TVARK
* Turner Doomsday Video

==Notes==
{{notelist}}

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
* [http://www.tv-signoffs.com/ TV-Signoffs.com] - {{Dead link|date=November 2023}}J. Alan Wall's website devoted to sign-offs and sign-ons of United States television stations
* [https://www.tvark.org/ TV-Ark]


{{DEFAULTSORT:Sign--off}}



[[Category:Television terminology]]

{{Sourceattribution|Sign-on and sign-off}}