Most of us are now aware that on February 17, 2009 broadcasters around the country will migrate to digital transmissions for programming, leaving viewers using analog only TVs with no picture. The Digital converter coupon program has been around for much of the year to provide those needing a converter with $40 of the purchase price and according to Reuters; those funds are estimated to run out in early January.

That means that any consumers who need a converter and have yet to apply for a coupon may find that there are simply no coupons left for them to use. The government set aside $1.34 billion to fund the coupon program.

Back in October the FCC warned that the coupon program wasn't ready for the last minute rush of consumers who need a converter and it was right. Meredith Atwell Baker from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration told Reuters, "Once the obligation ceiling is reached, the program will hold coupon requests until funds from unredeemed coupons become available."

Rep. Ed Markey from Massachusetts says that he believes Congress needs to be prepared to quickly approve more funds for the program in January.