Congress hopes to have an all digital TV transmission country by April 7, 2009. The house is drafting a bill to end regular analog transmissions by December 31, 2008.

Also being decided is if the federal government will pay for the digital converter boxes for those who don't have or can't afford them. This would allow people to continue to receive their local stations.

In addition to setting a switch over date, the Senate would designate a portion of funds to help public safety departments buy new equipment or improved communications networks.

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