Are you ready for digital TV?

Analog TV is being switched off across areas of Southern and Central NSW, ACT and the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area on 5 June 2012* and free-to-air TV will be broadcast in digital only.

To continue watching free-to-air TV households and businesses will need to ensure their televisions can receive digital TV signals by either:

• connecting a set-top box or digital TV recorder to an existing analog TV, or 
• upgrading to a digital TV (a TV with a built-in digital tuner).

Digital TV provides more choice with up to 16 free-to-air channels as well as enhanced picture and sound quality. Switching to digital TV will also ensure that Australia keeps pace with worldwide changes in technology as well as free up broadcast space that can be used for other services to the community.

Households unable to receive adequate digital television reception from terrestrial transmitters can apply to access the Viewer Access Satellite Television (VAST) service, which also provides the full suite of digital services. VAST is also available to those travelling in caravans, campervans and motor homes.

The Household Assistance Scheme is available to those in the community that may require practical help switching to digital TV. To be eligible for assistance you or your partner must receive the maximum rate of the Age Pension, Disability Support Pension, Carer Payment, Department of Veterans' Affairs Service Pension or Income Support Supplement, own a functioning television and not have access to digital TV.

Assistance includes the supply and installation of a high definition set-top box by a Government-contracted installer and, where necessary, upgrading of antennas and cables. Eligible households will receive a letter from Centrelink and once they have received their letter call 1800 55 64 43 to opt in.

The Satellite Subsidy Scheme is available to some towns where self-help towers are not being upgraded to digital and households will move to the Australian Government's Viewer Access Satellite Television (VAST) service. The VAST service provides access to all 16 free-to-air digital channels as well as an additional regional news channel.

Households eligible for the Subsidy will be contacted directly by the Australia Government's Digital Switchover Taskforce and asked to apply.

The Australian Government is also making available a range of advice to help make the switch.

Anne Murphy is the local the Digital Switchover Liaison Officer who works with local community groups and local organisations to prepare for the switch. To contact Ann Murphy call the Digital Ready Information Line on 1800 20 10 13.

The Digital Ready Website www.digitalready.gov.au has a range of resources, including factsheets and tutorial videos that can assist you make the switch to digital TV. The mySwitch tool on www.digitalready.gov.au can also give you specific information about the switchover in your area when you enter in your full address.

The Digital Ready Information Line is also available and can be contacted on 1800 20 10 13.

*Switch off may occur earlier in some towns relying on a self-help transmission tower. Residents in these areas will be informed about the switchover dates