He is asking Congress to delay the start of the switchover from analog to digital TV broadcasting.
The switch is supposed to take place on February 17th.
But Obama says too many Americans who rely on analog TV sets to pick up their over-the-air channels won't be ready.
An official with Obama's transition team notes that the Commerce Department has run out of money for coupons to subsidize the digital TV converter boxes for consumers.
The boxes will be needed for people who don't have cable or satellite or a TV with a digital tuner to get a signal after February 17th.
Because the original date was set by Congress, lawmakers would have to pass a new law to postpone it.
