Fearing that an estimated 6.5-million TV household would not be prepared for a shift from analog TV to digital television, the House of Representatives unanimously voted for postponement of the 17th February transition to 12th June.

However, the changeover will proceed as planned after the House of Representatives a votes on Wednesday. Though the House voted 258-168 in favour of a four-month delay, the necessary two-thirds margin for passage fell short by 26-votes.

Those who support the delay are hopeful the issue will be taken up by the House next week, voting a second time with a simple majority decision. In case, the delay is not approved, TV viewers who have not made provisions for the switch, will be under the gun, as broadcasters prepare to end their analog broadcasts. Viewers using sets with antenna to pull in analog signals, will have to replace them with ones that have a digital tuner, or purchase a converter box or upgrade to a pay TV service.

While, President Obama urged a delay earlier this month, Republicans opposing the delay, say the delay would only serve to confuse consumers, costing broadcasters millions to keep broadcasting in analog. As well, it will create problems for public safety agencies set to take over parts of the spectrum freed, with the move to more efficient digital airwaves.