BREAKING: House Delays DTV Transition
By: Laura Kellerman
Updated: February 4, 2009
A bill delaying the digital TV transition has been given final approval by the U.S. House. President Obama is expected to sign the legislation soon. It moves the deadline for a nationwide digital transition from February 17th to June 12th. The shift from analog to digital does not affect anyone with cable or satellite TV. The delay gives people with analog-only access more time to secure special government-subsidized converter boxes.
Democrats pushed for the delay because of concerns that large numbers of primarily rural residents are not ready for the digital transition. Many are still waiting for government coupons to help them purchase the converter boxes.
Republicans see bigger problems with pushing the deadline back.
"While many stations in our area (Amarillo to Wichita Falls) are ready for the switch, the delay of the DTV transition may well cause significant confusion to many viewers," said Rep. Mac Thronberry of the 13th District of Texas.
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