Senate passes digital TV delay bill

WASHINGTON, Jan. 26 (UPI) -- The U.S. Senate passed a bill Monday to delay the planned transition from analog to digital TV until June, to give people more time to prepare for the change.

The Washington Post said that, as of last week, more than 6.5 million U.S. households still weren't ready for the scheduled Feb. 17 analog signal shutoff by broadcasters and stood to lose their programming. Consumers with digital TVs and/or cable or satellite service would not have had a problem, but people with analog sets need a converter box to receive the digital programming.

The National Telecommunications and Information Administration, which has been issuing coupons to help reduce the price of the boxes, has run out of money, leaving some people on a waiting list to receive them after previously issued coupons expire. Other consumers who have set up their boxes reportedly have found that they need to purchase and install additional equipment to maintain their programming.

It is unclear whether the House will pass the Senate version of the bill or make changes to it.

"Delaying the upcoming DTV switch is the right thing to do," said Sen. John D. Rockefeller IV, D-W.Va., chairman of the Senate Commerce Committee. "I firmly believe that our nation is not yet ready to make this transition at this time."

PBS President and Chief Executive Paula Kerger told the Post a delay would cost public broadcasters an estimated $22 million. Kerger said she hoped lawmakers will help PBS offset the additional costs if they decide to go with the delay.