http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601103&sid=aVXRV77E_gSM&refer=us


Jan. 16 (Bloomberg) -- President-elect Barack Obama’s transition team said it backs legislation to postpone next month’s digital television transition until June because some viewers won’t be ready for the switch.

Democratic committee chairmen in both houses of Congress are proposing to delay until June 12 the date for major TV stations to stop sending traditional analog signals. The change is now set for Feb. 17 at midnight.

The push reflects mounting concern that some households won’t have needed equipment by that date. The waiting list at a program to provide subsidies for digital converter boxes may swell to more than 6 million requests in the next month, said John Podesta, co-chairman of the Obama transition team.

“Lack of appropriate planning has left many consumers vulnerable,” Podesta said in a letter today to congressional leaders. He urged “immediate consideration and passage” of legislation put forth by Senator Jay Rockefeller, a West Virginia Democrat, that would postpone the change.

There are concerns about the “capacity and competence” of a planned federal call center, Podesta wrote. He said the poor, disabled, elderly and rural could be most affected.

Some Republicans have opposed a delay, saying it would cause confusion.

Congress to Vote

Under the current plan, major TV stations are to cease sending the analog signals used for decades and begin transmitting programming exclusively in digital. Analog TV sets connected to antennas will need converter boxes to continue receiving signals.

The House Energy and Commerce Committee is expected to vote Jan. 21 on whether to delay the changeover until June 12, the date proposed by Representative Henry Waxman, the California Democrat who heads the committee, aides said today. The bill by Rockefeller, who’s the next chairman of the Commerce Committee, was introduced yesterday and offers the same date.

“Congress is likely to pass some sort of delay, given lawmaker concerns about likely disruptions to some TV viewers and a possible backlash,” said Rebecca Arbogast and David Kaut, analysts at Stifel Nicolaus & Co. in Washington, in a note to investors today.

Obama’s team called on Jan. 8 for postponing the date, citing a funding shortfall a program that subsidizes digital equipment. The program offers $40 coupons toward the cost of converter boxes, which sell for $40 to $80 at retail outlets.

Coupons are mailed out using third-class bulk mail and take four to six weeks to arrive, Podesta said in his letter. He reminded leaders of the Jan. 8 request and said that since then “the situation has only gotten worse.”

I've been hearing about this for a year or two and have seen commercials for over a year. How can people not be ready? My mother asked me months ago if I could go online and find where to look for a converter box for my elderly aunt. I found a site that sends out coupons. I had it mailed to my mother and she already bought the box for her sister. How many more years of announcing this to the public do they want?

I still haven't learned the metric system and that was supposed to kick in in what, 1976? Hail de-evolution!

They already pulled the plug in Hawaii, I guess as a test run for the rest of us. You're likely going to hear some pissed of pidgin bitching. I got beef wid ma TV, brudda!

Outside of major cities a lot of people still depend on over the air signals. But, dish & cable companies have run a lot of spots that have confused the hell out of people, so while you can ask "How do they not know"..and I would agree with you...there really are a lot of people who don't understand what is taking place. But..they should not delay this, since the TV stations have already been forced by the FCC to spend millions on the changeover, and they are all ready to go. Those who aren't are risking their license, so in essence...they are all ready. Some stations in very rural areas have been given extensions because their signals are considered necessary for the broadcasting of important information.