Obama asks for digital TV postponement

WASHINGTON, Jan. 9 (UPI) -- lncoming U.S. President Barack Obama has requested Congress postpone the country's planned transition to all-digital broadcast television.

The federally mandated switch from analog to digital, slated to take place Feb. 17, means millions of Americans have to purchase converter boxers for older televisions with antennas in order to get a picture -- either that or sign up for cable or satellite service or buy new television sets with digital tuners.

The government has been issuing $40 vouchers that offset part of the cost of the converter boxers for those who apply for them, but reportedly ran out of money for the program last week.

The Los Angeles Times said Obama Thursday asked Congress for a delay of an unspecified amount of time to give the government time to find a way to pay for and issue more vouchers, as well as educate the public about the change, so televisions in households that need converter boxes don't go dark after the switch.

The downside to the postponement, the Times noted, is that some people who are ready will have to wait longer to enjoy the benefits of all-digital television, which include clearer pictures and more free channels. Going digital is also expected to free up airwaves for public safety use and communication in the event of a disaster, and it is cheaper for broadcasters since analog signals use more electricity, the newspaper said.