I've been reading that the original 2 1/2 minute test has been shortened to a half-minute one. Apparently, there is concern that having all radio and TV channels overriden by a 2 1/2 minute test might make people think it's a real emergency.

Actually, I'm surprised that besides bacpacjac's original post, I don't think I've seen or heard any announcements on TV or on any of the radio stations I routinely listen to. Well, no wonder people might be concerned!

Perhaps the hacker group Anonymous can slip in something ominous into the broadcast. Sort of like the character V in the movie V for Vendetta. Actually, the date of the test is not that far off from Guy Fawkes Night...November 5th...