Digital TV switch to be delayed until June 12

The Senate has voted to delay the digital TV switch until June 12 from February 17, the original date the switchover was to take place.

The vote was unanimous, and it is now expected to go to the House, where it is expected to easily pass.

Consumers were to get $40 coupons to help them get a converter box if they already did not have cable, satellite, or an over-the-air digital signal. But the program recently ran out of money, and consumers who request the coupons now have to be put on a waiting list.

The delay for four more months could cost broadcasters like PBS money, which said it may lose $22 million if the switch were to be put on hold (which could mean more pledge drives, a.k.a. "beg-a-thons".)