Washington - Democrats said at a House subcommittee hearing on Wednesday that more money should be allocated to help consumers purchase converters that will be needed to view digital TV signals on their analog TV sets, once analog signals are shut off in early 2009, CNET News.com reported.

"We should not forget that we are asking ordinary people to pay for a government decision that essentially makes their television sets obsolete," said Rep. John Dingell (D-Mich.).

"For that reason, we should ensure that this transition is as painless as possible for American consumers."

Democrats said Congress should have set aside $3.6 billion, more than double the funds that were approved.

Congress has allocated funds for up to 22.5 million converter coupons, and may add funds for an additional 11 million coupons, should the initial supply run out.

Republicans at the hearing said that FCC data and a survey from the National Association of Broadcasters show that only 21.8 million coupons will be needed.

"It's just a dwindling majority of Americans who use analog TV sets with over-the-air antennas," said Rep. Joe Barton (R-Texas). "Fewer still will want taxpayers to give them a subsidy. After all, they are taxpayers too."

Another issue raised by Democrats was with consumer electronics retailers, who they said are not adequately informing consumers that analog televisions purchased now will need a converter in two years.

"I think our committee is going to insist you do more from now on, and we want your association to warn all consumers that their (analog) TV sets will not work in two years," said Rep. Ed Markey (D-Mass.).

Related Links:
http://energycommerce.house.gov/Press_110/110st30.shtml

http://tinyurl.com/2ne6f8 (CNET)

http://www.latimes.com/technology/la-fi-digital28mar28,1,6044345.story