The transition from analog to digital television will continue as planned on Tuesday February 17th, after a vote by the House of Representatives on Wednesday.

The count of votes in favor of a four-month delay in the changeover fell 26 short of the requisite two-third margin for passage. The House voted 258-168 in support of the delay.

The reasons cited were that it would be unfair to delay the switch as it would run up unnecessary expenses for broadcasters and confuse consumers.

This is considered a minor setback for the Obama administration and Democrats on Capitol Hill who argued that too many Americans are not ready for the switch.