Digital Television Transition Postponed

Notifications about the February switch to digital television signals have been flaring up everywhere, reminding us to prepare for the conversion to the all-digital format. Officials now want to delay the switch until this summer.

Reuters reports that the Senate passed a bill on Monday to delay the switch from Feb. 17 to June 12 because of a belief that people aren't ready for the change.

People will now have an extra four months to buy a digital television, converter box, or satellite or cable service. The U.S. Commerce Department has been supplying viewers with a $40 coupon to help with the costs of converter boxes. However, earlier this month they ran out and had to set up a waiting list for those applying for the coupons, according to the Wall Street Journal.

President Barack Obama supports the delay of the switch. The Wall Street Journal reports that this is what prompted Congress to bring up the legislation.

NYC Mayor Michael Bloomberg thinks the deadline should remain where it is. "You'll have exactly the same problem in June as you do today and it becomes one of those things where the next time you set a date, nobody's going to believe it," Bloomberg said, as reported by The Hollywood Reporter.

The move from analog to digital signals will allow for more broadcasting spectrum for public officials as well as provide better viewing quality.