U.S. television going digital in Feb.

WASHINGTON, Dec. 31 (UPI) -- U.S. officials are urging consumers to order vouchers for digital TV boxes as soon as possible if they want to be ready for the conversion from analog.

Television broadcasts in the United States will be completely digital as of Feb. 17.

The Washington Post said the 14 million U.S. households that watch television via analog signal will either have to install a small set-top device that converts digital broadcasts back into analog or sign up for satellite or cable service if they don't want to buy new flat-screen TV sets equipped with digital tuners.

The newspaper said orders for converter boxes spiked 30 percent last weekend compared to the previous weekend, prompting concern the demand will lead to delays in getting the $40 rebate coupons for the boxes, which cost between $50 and $80, to consumers so they can buy and install the boxes before the analog signal is shut off.

To order a coupon, which takes about four weeks for delivery, visit http://https://www.dtv2009.gov or call 1-888-DTV-2009, the Post said.