Obama Urges U.S. to Prepare for Digital TV

WASHINGTON, D.C.: U.S. president Barack Obama gave a warning to Americans who have not prepared for the digital transition that their sets could go dark on June 12 if they do not get a converter box soon.

"I want to be clear: there will not be another delay," Obama said in a statement. "I urge everyone who is not yet prepared to act today, so you don’t lose important news and emergency information on June 12."

A converter box for TVs that now rely on an antenna to receive a broadcast signal costs between $40 and $80, and the Commerce Department offers $40 coupons through its website dtv2009.gov. However, it warns consumers who apply now that they may not receive a coupon in time.

The switchover from analogue signals to digital was originally mandated for February 17. Fearing that as many as 20 million households were not ready, lawmakers voted earlier this year to postpone the transition nearly four months.

"The number of households unprepared for digital television has been cut in half. Still, some people are not ready," said Obama. "I encourage all Americans who are prepared to talk to their friends, family and neighbors to make sure they get ready before it’s too late."