Lawmakers split on subsidy for digital TV converters

Lawmakers seemed split along party lines Thursday over whether the government should buy converter boxes for millions of Americans who still use antenna-based TVs, once the nation's shift to digital TV is finished. ...¶... Key Republicans say they're willing to set aside $500 million for a subsidy for households that have no cable or satellite service and that earn less than $30,000. "I myself could support a limited subsidy for low-income households," says [the] chairman of the House Commerce Committee.  ¶  Most Democrats say anyone who buys a box should get a subsidy. They would include even more affluent consumers, as well as lower-income, antenna-only homes where the box would be used for second sets and in pay-TV homes with extra sets that use antennas. ...  Link:  USA TODAY.