We have reached the “urgent” phase of the digital television transition.

In this morning’s Washington Post, government officials are quoted as urging viewers who wish to continue to use their analog TV sets and do not yet have the converter boxes necessary to watch digital television as of February 17th, to order their $40 coupons by Wednesday to ensure that they will get the discount. From the Post:

“We’re urging consumers who need the coupon to apply by December 31 so they have plenty of time to get the coupon, buy the converter box and connect it before February 17,” said Todd Sedmak, spokesman for the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, an agency within the Commerce Department that is running the coupon program. “Some people may need someone to buy it for them or help connect it to the TV and antenna. Order it now, and it still gives you six weeks to take care of it.”

The coupons expire 90 days after mailing, which at this writing is taking about three weeks from ordering the coupon to mailing. Another 10 days to arrive at your door via Standard Mail should be expected.

Some additional fear is surrounding the availability of boxes themselves, especially at the last hour. An additional cost to be considered is the purchase of a strong antenna, because digital signals do not necessarily go as far as analog ones.

To get your coupons ordered now, go to https://www.dtv2009.gov/.