Senate blocks bill to delay digital-TV switch until June

— -- Senate Republicans have blocked a bill that would delay the nationwide switch from analog to digital television broadcasts until June 12. But Democrats say they will try again to pass the measure next week.

The bill was defeated even after President-elect Barack Obama on Friday urged Congress to postpone the Feb. 17 transition. There have been mounting concerns that too many Americans who rely on older, analog TV sets to pick up broadcast channels won't be ready. The federal program that subsidizes digital converter boxes for such viewers ran out of money this month.

Senate Republicans fear a delay would cause consumer confusion and deprive public safety agencies of the airwaves that will be freed by the switchover.

Sen. Jay Rockefeller, D-W.Va., incoming chairman of the powerful Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, on Thursday proposed the legislation to delay the switch to digital TV.

"I firmly believe that our nation is not yet ready to make this transition," Rockefeller said. Any extension also must be approved by the House.

Separately, the House Appropriations Committee recommended $650 million in new funds for the DTV transition.

"We're pleased to see Congress moving so quickly on an issue that will affect millions of consumers," says Chris Murray, a senior lawyer with Consumers Union, which supports a delay.

Congress originally ordered the switch to digital TV to take place Feb. 17. Congressional action is needed to change the cutover date.

The government's $1.34 billion coupon program for digital converter boxes ran out of money two weeks ago. The program, authorized by Congress, gives households up to two $40 coupons to offset the cost of buying a digital converter box, which turns digital signals into analog. Only TVs that use antennas to get over-the-air signals need boxes. Cable and satellite TV customers aren't affected.

The coupon program is considered core to the switchover. The boxes cost $40 to $70, on average. The coupon program is being overseen by the Commerce Department's National Telecommunications and Information Administration.