House Democrats Seek $650M More for Digital TV Transition

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.

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.