WKOW 27: Madison, WI Breaking News, Weather and SportsCongress votes to delay digital transition, Madison stations will convert on Feb. 17th

Congress votes to delay digital transition, Madison stations will convert on Feb. 17th

UPDATE: Wednesday (02/04/09) 5:55 p.m.

MADISON (WKOW) --  A number of local television stations serving the Madison television market will convert to digital-only broadcasting on Tuesday February 17th. This announcement was made today, jointly, by WKOW and WISC.

This new legislation still allows for stations to convert earlier if they choose, which area broadcasters have elected to do, consistent with Federal Communication Commission rules.

In a joint statement, the station's management says their research indicates less than one percent of the households in the Madison market are not yet prepared for the conversion from analog to digital.

The stations said they would be ready to answer questions viewers might have about the digital conversion through their websites or via phone calls to the stations during business hours.

Viewers who watch via satellite or on cable don't have to do anything. Those who watch over the air with an antenna will need to purchase a converter box or a television set with a digital receiver.

"As a result of this conversion, viewers will have many programs offered in high definition, which is of incredible quality," said Tom Allen, General Manager of WKOW. "Plus, most of the stations are offering more than one programming service, which enhances viewers' options."

It is anticipated that the stations will transition to digital-only broadcasting between 12 noon and 12 midnight on February 17th. Each station will be informing their viewers of the exact time of the switch through station announcements and newscasts.

Each station will be informing their viewers of the exact time of the switch through station announcements and newscasts.

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UPDATE: Wednesday (02/04/09) 3:15 p.m.

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Congress has now decided to give people four more months to prepare for the upcoming transition from analog to digital TV broadcasting.

The House voted Wednesday to postpone the end of analog TV signals until June 12. The move is meant to address concerns that more than 6.5 million Americans with older TVs would not be ready by Feb. 17, the originally mandated deadline.

The House took up the question last week but under a special procedure that required more than a simple majority. This time it went through a normal vote.

The Senate passed the measure unanimously last week and the bill now heads to President Barack Obama for his signature. Obama's spokesman has said the president will sign it.

Stay tuned to WKOWTV.com and 27 News at 5:00, 6:00 and 10:00 for details on how local television stations will respond to today's vote in the House, and what it means to you.

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WASHINGTON, D.C. (WKOW) -- The House is set to vote on whether to delay the transition to digital television today.

Supports of the prpoposal to wait until June 12 to shut down analog signals say millions of people still aren't ready. Many don't have satellite or cable TV, or the required converter box, so when the switch happens, all they'll see is static.

Republican lawmakers argue waiting will only confuse people and will take away space on the airwaves that are opening up for public service agencies and wireless companies.

Last week, the Senate passed the bill but the House failed to secure a two-thirds majority. All that's required today is a simple majority.

President Obama has spoken in favor of delaying the switch and is expected to sign the measure.