Digital TV Transition Delay

Monday, January 26, 2009 10:58

Posted in category digital TV, digital TV transition

Congress appears poised this week to pass legislation that will move next month’s Digital TV transition date to June.

On February 17, 2009, all full-powered local stations are scheduled to switch their analog signals to digital which means viewers will need a Digital TV, a digital converter box or a pay TV subscription to continuing watching television.

But critics of the Feb. 17 transition date note that the federal government has run out of funds for the $40 converter box coupons that can be used to purchase the set-tops. They also say that millions of people still seem confused about how to prepare for the transition.

President Obama and most Democratic lawmakers have urged a delay in the transition, but Republicans have balked, saying it would further confuse consumers. But Sen. Jay Rockefeller, chairman of the Democratic-controlled Senate Commerce Committee, late last week reached a compromise with Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchinson, the panel’s top ranking Republican, that calls for the transition to take place on June 12.

Hutchinson says she’s signing on because the bill would allow local stations to switch to digital before June 12 if they so desired. Many local stations which have been preparing to make the switch next month have said it will cost them significant funds if they have to wait until June.

“I am pleased that chairman Rockefeller worked with me to address many of the concerns with the early proposals,” Hutchison said, according to Multichannel News. “Significant challenges remain, however, and I will continue working with my colleagues in Congress to ensure a smooth transition to digital television for all Americans.”

While the delay still needs to win approval of the full Senate — and the House — the Rockefeller/Hutchinson compromise is seen as a critical step to making that happen. Sen. Rockefeller says the delay legislation is likely to be voted on in the Senate this week.

“Let me be clear. This legislation is not perfect. But it represents a turning point, a start,” he said, according to Multichannel News.

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Source: TV Predictions

Posted by: Geoff Caplan

Geoff Caplan.Com