Update: Added remark from Senate bill author, Jay Rockefeller, and the National Association of Broadcasters.

Updates from around the web: Barton, Stearns Ask Pelosi To Delay DTV Vote, Qualcomm Biggest Loser
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The Feb. 17 deadline for TV to go all digital took one step closer toward getting postponed until June 12 late Monday. The U.S. Senate approved a bill to delay the transition for four months, according an Associated Press report.

The digital transition, which has been in the works since 1996, is winding down as TV stations prepare to end analog broadcasts in favor of digital. The move would open up needed airwaves for emergency and communication uses, but it also meant consumers who relied on analog TVs needed to upgrade, either by purchasing a digital TV, a digital converter box or paying for TV service.

The legislation was drafted and passed within three weeks of the National Telecommunications & Information Administration saying it had run out of money for the DTV coupon program, which offered consumers two $40 coupons to offset the purchase of a needed digital converter box. There are 2.5 million people on the waiting list.

A similiar bill is pending in the House from Henry Waxman.

UPDATE: In a statement, Sen. Jay Rockefeller, the West Virginia Democrat who authored the bill, said, “Delaying the upcoming DTV switch is the right thing to do. I firmly believe that our nation is not yet ready to make this transition at this time.  The Senate acted responsibly to give the Obama Administration time to attempt to bring order to a mismanaged process.  I want to thank Senator Hutchison for her leadership in this effort.  I urge our colleagues in the House to pass this bill and I know Chairman Waxman is working on it.””

The bill would extend the deadline to June 12, fix the coupon program, allow TV broadcasters the right to turn off analog signals on Feb. 17.

Colby May, a D.C. lawyer who represents several TV channels including Tustin’s TBN, expects that the delay could become law this week.

“It’s got a really good shot of that,” said May, noting that President Obama has already said he’d support a delay.  ”I don’t think the broadcast industry is happy about it.”

UPDATE: The National Association of Broadcasters, which has conducted a consumer-education campaign for the past year, has stuck to its belief that consumers are ready. As a result of the Senate’s action, however, the organization said it will support the delay.

In a statement, NAB Executive Vice President Dennis Wharton, said:

“NAB supports legislation passed unanimously by the full Senate that moves the DTV deadline to June 12, while providing flexibility to local stations in adjusting to the new date. We are especially appreciative of the tireless efforts of Commerce Committee Chairman Rockefeller and Ranking Member Hutchison in crafting the compromise bill.

“Local broadcasters and our network partners are proud of the unprecedented billion dollar educational effort we have undertaken to ensure that our viewers are prepared for the switch to digital, and we are grateful for policymaker efforts that underscore over-the-air television’s importance in the fabric of American life. The DTV legislation now moves to the House. NAB salutes the leadership of Commerce Committee Chairman Waxman and his colleagues and we look forward to swift passage of this bill.” 

More on the digital TV transition at gadgetress.freedomblogging.com/dtv/

• Digital TV delay cost some TV channels $40,000/month
• Law to delay digital TV transition to June 2009 pending
• At Obama’s request, law to delay DTV transition underway
• Guide to the 2009 Digital TV transition (Gadgetress)
• Dish welcomes digital TV transition with $9.99 deal
• Waiting list begins for Digital TV converter coupons
• How to install that digital converter box
• Digital TV coupons now available to more users
• Amazon starts selling converter boxes
• Most digital-TV coupons expire before being used
• Portable TVs will fade away after February
• Tax discount on digital TV converters bought with coupons
• 23 reviews of digital converter boxes
• Questions about Digital TV and the February deadline?

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