U.S. House Defeated The Bill To Postpone Analog To Digital Transition

WASHINGTON -- The U.S. House defeated a bill Wednesday to postpone the upcoming transition from analog to digital television broadcasting by four months to June 12.

House Republicans succeeded in scuttling a bill to delay the transition, which is scheduled for Feb. 17, less than two days after the Senate unanimously passed the plan.

The defeat is a setback for the Obama administration and Democrats on Capitol Hill, who fear too many Americans are not ready for the switchover.

The Nielsen Co. estimated that more than 6.5 million U.S. households that rely on analog television sets to pick up over-the-air broadcast signals could see their TV sets go dark next month if the transition is not postponed.

People who subscribe to cable or satellite TV, or have a newer TV with a digital tuner, are not affected.

The measure required a two-thirds House majority.