The vote, which is scheduled to take place next week, is already raising concerns among broadcasters, who were prepared for the February switch, but also among consumer groups, who believe the delay will only cause more confusion.

 

That doesn’t seem to be the opinion of Commerce Committee chairman Sen. John D. Rockefeller (D-W.Va) and Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchinson (R-Tex.), ranking member of the committee. Sen. Hutchinson said in a statement this week that she had always been concerned about the DTV shift without a plan to inform consumers or address the coupon box shortage.

 

Sen. Hutchinson further said: These changes will help consumers whose coupons have expired, and allow TV stations that are prepared, and ready, to move forward without the requirement of simulcasting. Senator Rockefeller’s personal commitment to me not to seek another delay provides needed certainty to bring this transition to a conclusion.

 

The switch to digital television campaign has managed to raise consumer awareness about the switch, but there are still glitches in the system that caused the Obama administration to plead for a delay of the transition date.

 

According to recent estimations, at least 1 million people are still on the waiting list to get a $40 coupon for the converter box, while 7 millions more will remain in the dark once the transition takes place.

 

But whether this delay will prove enough to solve the remaining problems and smooth the path for a safe transition or not, it still remains to be seen.