House Democrats Seek $650M More for Digital TV Transition
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}House Democrats have proposed $650 million to continue the coupon program for the transition to digital television, which is set to take place on Feb. 17.
Reuters reported Thursday that a summary of the economic stimulus legislation released by a House panel shows that the government has run out of $40 discount coupons for low-income consumers to help pay for converter boxes needed to keep their sets from going blank.
The delays have led to calls for postponing the analog switch-off and for more money in the economic stimulus package for the program.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}The switch to digital television was mandated by Congress and will affect about 20 million consumers who still use rabbit-ear antennae. Those who own older television sets receiving over-the-air signals must buy converter boxes, replace their TVs with digital models or subscribe to satellite or digital cable service.