Several Denver TV stations said Monday they will delay ending analog TV service to give viewers more time to buy converter boxes to receive digital signals.

Congress last week passed legislation delaying the nationwide transition to digital TV until June 12. But TV stations could have applied to the Federal Communications Commission by Monday for permission to terminate analog service Feb. 17, the originally scheduled date.

Denver's 7 said it decided to delay its switch-over because it understands that many people need more time to prepare.

"This was a difficult decision to make," said station manager Byron Grandy, noting that Channel 7's digital coverage is significantly less than what it would like because of a failure in a new antenna system in December.

Grandy said he is concerned thousands of viewers who have installed converter boxes will not be able to receive the station's signal until it ends analog service and goes to full-power digital.

Mark Cornetta, general manager of 9News in Denver, said his station will delay its switch-over but is considering asking for permission to make the transition sometime in April.

Walt DeHaven, general manager of CBS 4, said his station already is at full-power digital but will continue analog service until June 12.

Rocky Mountain PBS-Channel 6 already said it couldn't make the switch-over until its full-power digital tower is available.

Officials at KDVR-Channel 31 weren't available for comment.

smithje@RockyMountainNews.com or 303-954-5155