House votes to delay digital TV transition by four months

That could create a patchwork quilt of signals in some markets, with certain stations broadcast only in digital and others in both analog and digital. Some older converter boxes don't have the ability to handle both types of signals, so some viewers may have to unplug the device to watch one channel broadcast in analog, then plug it back in to watch another in digital.

"This date change will inject uncertainty into the market," said Gary Shapiro, president of the Consumer Electronics Assn.

The vast majority of converter boxes manufactured in recent months have the ability to handle analog signals, but consumers should check before buying, Kelsey said.

The National Assn. of Broadcasters formally backed the postponement, but some stations are unhappy about the cost of maintaining an analog signal for four extra months.

Rep. Greg Walden (R-Ore.) said the delay would cost broadcasters in his state $500,000 to $1 million in electricity costs to continue running analog transmitters along with the existing digital transmitters. He also said viewers could be confused, noting that advertisements are touting the Feb. 17 date.

"They're still being told this is what they should do," he said. "This is why people don't trust the government."

The law that set the Feb. 17 deadline allowed stations to petition the Federal Communications Commission to make the switch early. Some already have -- 143 of the nation's roughly 1,800 stations have gone all digital, and 60 more plan to do it before Feb. 17, according to the FCC.

But supporters said the delay was necessary, particularly to provide more money for the government's subsidy program for consumers who buy converter boxes. The Commerce Department, which administers a $1.5-billion program to send coupons worth $40 toward the purchase of a converter, ran out of money Jan. 4. About 3.2 million coupon requests are on the waiting list, Consumers Union said.

The economic stimulus package moving through Congress has $650 million to help replenish the converter box program and increase public outreach efforts.

"The legislation passed by Congress provides more time for Americans to prepare for the DTV transition and will allow more time for the government to fix the coupon program," said David Rehr, president of the National Assn. of Broadcasters.

"America's broadcasters, which have spent the past decade preparing for this historic transition, are ready to make a successful switch."

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alex.pham@latimes.com

jim.puzzanghera@latimes.com