Consumers Union, the nonprofit publisher of Consumer Reports, is urging the Federal government to consider delaying the digital TV transition, now set for Feb. 17, to allow time to resolve "significant problems" with the changeover from analog to all-digital broadcasts. Otherwise, millions of Americans—mostly elderly, low-income, and rural populations—could be left with blank TV screens just a few weeks from now.

The final straw came this week when the government ran out of funding for coupons to offset the cost of the DTV converter box needed to watch digital broadcasts on an analog TV. Anyone requesting a $40 coupon now is being put on a waiting list and advised to buy a converter box at their own expense—typically $50 to $80—or to pay for satellite or cable service.

Joel Kelsey, policy analyst for Consumers Union, said, "The federal government is getting $19 billion from selling the analog TV spectrum, while people with analog TVs have to go out and spend their own money for a converter box. Everyone affected by the digital switch should be able to get their $40 coupons.  Congress needs to consider delaying the transition until these problems are fixed."

The 90-day expiration date on coupons, which has been problematic for many consumers, and the lack of local support to deal with setting up boxes and successfully receiving digital stations add to the case for a postponement.

In a letter to members of Congress, Kelsey and Consumers Union senior counsel Christopher Murray noted, "Consumers have fewer resources than ever to buy the necessary equipment to regain access to essential news, information and emergency broadcasts." They urged that the digital transition be postponed "so the significant flaws in the converter box coupon program can be adequately addressed and sufficient local assistance put in place to help the millions of consumers who are being forced to navigate this transition."

If you want to weigh in with how problematic—or smoothly—this DTV transition has gone for you, feel free to do so at HearUsNow.org. Our advocates at Consumers Union want to hear from you!