The digital TV transition measure, contained in a huge budget reconciliation bill, was approved by a vote of 216-214. The budget bill now awaits President Bush's signature.

The legislation creates a $990 million program to subsidize consumer purchases of converter boxes. The digital-to-analog converters would allow viewers without digital receivers to continue to receive broadcasts. U.S. households would be entitled to apply for two $40 coupons to subsidize the purchase of converters boxes.

Anticipating voter backlash over the converter box subsidy, the House Energy and Commerce Committee, which spearheaded the DTV transition bill, noted that "most consumers should be unaffected by the Feb. 17, 2009, deadline, and will not need an over-the-air converter box."

The House panel said in a statement that less than 15 percent of U.S. households rely exclusively on terrestrial broadcasts. The remaining 85 percent are cable or satellite TV subscribers. Operators of those systems will be able to convert digital broadcasts to an analog format.

The subsidy program will be administered by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, a Commerce Department agency.

Analog TV spectrum freed by the transition will be used for public safety and wireless broadband applications. According to congressional estimates, spectrum auctions could raise up to $10 billion.

The bill also allocates $1 billion for a grant program to help police and fire departments deploy interoperable communications.