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House Approves Bill to Delay DTV to June 12
The bill will now be sent to President Obama, who is expected to sign it into law. Obama initially brought up the idea of delaying the transition, saying too many Americans were unprepared.
The bill also allows:
- Broadcasters to end analog transmissions before June 12
- Households to reapply for expired coupons using $650 million in the economic stimulus package
- Allocation of more money to DTV education
Rep. Joe Barton, R-Texas, who lead opposition to delaying the transition, says Republicans prepared several amendments that would have improved the delay, including freeing up nearly $250 million to clear up a waiting list for converter box coupons.
The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) has issued a statement in response to the delay, pledging "full support for a successful transition to digital television" and that they will update all marketing materials quickly.
"As CEA has repeatedly cautioned, this date change will inject uncertainty into the market and may result in a shortage of converter boxes, because manufacturers and retailers planned box inventory based on a February 17 transition date," says Gary Shapiro, CEO.
"CEA urges Congress and the Administration to take the necessary steps to ensure converter box availability and to urge consumers to act immediately to enjoy the benefits of DTV."
On Jan. 30, 2009, the Senate voted for the second time to delay the transition. The House denied the initial bill, failing to reach the two-thirds majority vote (258-168, 60.6 percent) needed to pass the bill.
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7 Comments (displayed in order by date/time)
So a man coming into office after a whirlwind tour campaigning for “Change” is now doing the exact opposite.
I give up.
What do you mean, emusicman—he changed the DTV date? 
Hey you’re right! LOL!
In case anyone was curious, CEA’s Gary Shapiro released this statement regarding the delay of the DTV transition:
“Our nation is leading the world in the digital migration, and CEA again pledges full support for a successful transition to digital television. We will quickly update our consumer education material as necessary and we will devote a significant portion of our Washington Forum event in April to DTV education.
“As CEA has repeatedly cautioned, this date change will inject uncertainty into the market and may result in a shortage of converter boxes, because manufacturers and retailers planned box inventory based on a February 17 transition date. CEA urges Congress and the Administration to take the necessary steps to ensure converter box availability and to urge consumers to act immediately to enjoy the benefits of DTV.”
Unbelievable. Does our nation not have the testicular fortitude to make any sort of change? Regardless of when this happens, there are going to be some growing pains. There are people sitting at home choosing to not get a converter box and calling our government’s bluff. Guess what? They were right. Now they get a second chance to get that coupon they procrastinated on and all of the benefits to making the transition have to go on hold for another few months. A drop in the water, I know, but likely the start of a democratic lead 4 years that aims to only to garner approval on a very superficial level.
Personally I think all stations in a given area should switch except one. Those that procrastinated or did not understand will still be able to view that one channel which could run banner notices. This will also allow them to watch something and see the news while they wait for their converters.
Don’t delay it. People just waited until the last minute and now they are complaining about it. They chose to ignore it.