CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- The federal program that offers coupons for DTV converter boxes has run out of money.

The government had been offering $40 coupons to offset the cost of the converter boxes, but on Monday, the Department of Commerce announced the program is out of cash.

Television signals across the country will switch from analog to digital on Feb. 17, 2008. Those who have older TVs that aren't compatible with the digital format will lose their signals.

Millions of people have already gotten coupons for converter boxes, but the commerce department says not everyone has cashed them in. Since the first coupons were issued last February, more than 13 million have expired.

That is good news for people who end up on the new coupon waiting list.

The coupon program, which was set up by Congress, hit its $1.34 billion cap over the weekend. Congress is expected to take up this issue as lawmakers get back to work this week.

If you need a coupon, you have to get on the waiting list. After that, coupons will be mailed out on a first-come, first-served basis as previously issued ones expire and their value goes back into the fund. The coupons are valid for 90 days.

To get on the waiting list, call 1-888-DTV-2009 or visit www.dtv2009.gov.

For more information on the DTV conversion, click here.