MADISON, Wis. -- With about six weeks until TV stations across the country switch to digital signals, groups are seeking to push back the deadline.

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The Consumers Union, the publishers of Consumer Reports magazine, and President-elect Barack Obama's transition team are asking Congress to extend the Feb. 17 digital deadline.

They said not all Americans are prepared, in large part due to a lack of funds for the DTV converter box coupon program, which is forcing some people to wait on receiving the assistance.

The Consumers Union said it is concerned that the federal government will receive $19 billion for the sale of the analog broadcasting spectrum but can't seem to help all consumers.

The Wisconsin Broadcasters Association said TV stations have done what's asked of them to prepare and any extension might not really make a difference.

"No matter when the deadline is, there will be a percentage of the public that will not be ready, no matter what," said Michelle Vetterkind, of the Wisconsin Broadcasters Association.

She said phone banks around the state have proven that consumers are aware of the necessary changes but often have questions about making the new technology work.

WISC-TV and My Madison TV 14 chief engineer Leonard Charles said that some potential good to come out of this would be Congress putting some more money into the coupon program to keep the deadline for digital at Feb. 17.