As you read this, the digital television infrastructure roll out is underway. Television will be broadcasted in digital format all over Australia by the end of 2013, but what difference will it make to our lives? Here is what you need to know about digital TV.
Australia is currently engaged in the process of switching from analogue to digital TV broadcasting. This process is being managed by the Australian Government’s Department of Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy. This department has set up a taskforce called the Digital Switchover Taskforce. Over the next few years, the Government will be turning off the current signal that carries the television signal (analogue) and replacing it with a digital signal. It is a phased roll out that began in Mildura on 29th June 2010 and every region in Australia will be switched over to digital by the 31st of December 2013.
Why is Australia moving to digital TV?

1 To keep up to date with technology.
- It’s important that Australia keeps pace with worldwide changes in technology.
- Overseas programs are increasingly being recorded in the digital format only.
- Australian TV shows need to be recorded in the digital
- format to be easily exported overseas.
2 To free up broadcast space.
- In Australia, TV is currently broadcast in both digital and analog signals – this is costly and inefficient.
- Turning off the analog signals will free up space that could be used for other services for the community.
3 To improve your viewing experience.
- Picture and sound quality on digital TV is better than analogue.
- Pictures on digital TV can be seen in widescreen.
- You’ll still have the same free-to-air channels, plus some new ones, so you’ll have more choice.
There are a number of ways you can switch from analogue to digital TV now.

Option 1
If you have an older TV and you’d like to keep it you can convert it to digital with:
- A high definition set top box or a high definition recording device known as a PVR (Personal Video Recorder).
- A home entertainment consol (like a play station 3) that has both PVR and TV tuner capability with play TV attached.
Any of these will decode the signal and convert your TV to digital.
| Some great products to get you started! |
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Option 2
You can upgrade to a high definition TV that has a digital tuner built in. If you already have one of these, then you are ready to go!
If your equipment is not working try one of the following:
- Re-tune your TV.
- Check your cables are in good condition and are connected properly.
- If you use an indoor antenna now, you will need to replace it with an external digital ready antenna to ensure you receive the best digital signal.
- Check your external antenna. You may require the expertise of an Endorsed Electrical Contractor/Installer to ensure you have the correct antenna and check for signal strength. In most cases if the antenna is an older one, it may need replacing.
| Need a new Antenna? |
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For further information visit www.digitalready.gov.au or www.freeview.com.au
For information on training and how you can obtain accreditation click here.