Freeview

If you have an analogue television, you will need to purchase an HD set-top-box or a personal video recorder (PVR). Alternatively, you can convert it to digital with a home entertainment console that has both PVR and digital tuner capabilities, such as a PS3™ with PlayTV™ attached.

Otherwise, you can purchase an HD integrated digital television to replace your existing analogue TV.
Once you have the necessary equipment, you will be able to watch Freeview.

If you already have an HD integrated digital television, you should already be enjoying some of the benefits of the free-to-view digital platform. If your equipment isn’t working, you need to try one of the following:
• Re-tune the TV.
• Check that your cables are in good condition and connected properly.
• An indoor antenna may need to be replaced with an external antenna to get a reliable digital signal.
•Check the external antenna (may require the help of a local antenna installer).
• In most cases a new antenna isn’t needed, but if the problem still persists, the older antenna may need replacing. Check with a local antenna installer.

Freeview-endorsed digital television equipment has been widely available from electronics retailers nationwide since 1 May, 2009.

From 28 June 2010, some manufacturers will offer equipment which has the added capability of being able to receive the Freeview Electronic Program Guide (EPG). These products will also give you access to the full suite of Freeview channels (both standard definition and high definition). Only products that feature the Freeview EPG logo will receive the Freeview EPG. To learn more about the Freeview EPG, including the features and benefits, click here.

Your local electronics retailer will be able to advise you on the equipment that is right for you.

You do not need to buy a new TV to receive the Freeview channels. You can simply connect an HD digital device to your existing TV and that will convert your television to digital.

To receive the Freeview Electronic Program Guide (EPG), you must purchase a product that carries the Freeview EPG logo. These products will also give you access to the full suite of Freeview channels (both standard definition and high definition).

Your electronics retailers will be able to help you select the equipment that best meets your needs.

Freeview has reached agreements with leading manufacturers to offer Freeview endorsed equipment.

All Freeview-endorsed products are high definition (HD) and they include a range of features, such as a 7 day manufacturer electronic program guide (EPG). They also include known technical advancements - the main difference being MPEG 4 compatibility - offering you greater peace of mind for the future. These products carry the Freeview logo.

From 28 June 2010, some manufacturers will offer equipment which has the added capability of being able to receive the Freeview Electronic Program Guide (EPG). These products offer a 7 day on-screen program guide, easy navigation, program reminders, detailed program information and parental controls that restrict the viewing of shows. In addition to these great features, digital recording devices (PVRs) can record straight from the EPG to the device. With a PVR, you can also watch one program and record another on a different channel simultaneously*, record all the episodes in a season using the ‘series link’ function and, pause and rewind live TV. Only products that feature the Freeview EPG logo will receive the Freeview EPG. They will also convert you to digital. To learn more about the Freeview EPG, click here <www.freeview.com.au/epg>

Your electronics retailer will be able to help you select the most suitable products for your needs.

Click here to see a list of manufacturers who offer Freeview endorsed equipment, and a list of products that are certified. Your local electronics retailer will be able to help you select the products that best suit your needs.

Any HD digital equipment will receive the full suite of Freeview channels. Viewers with a home entertainment console such as a PS3™ + PlayTV™ device can also receive the Freeview channels.

To receive the Freeview Electronic Program Guide (EPG) on the other hand, you must purchase a product that carries the Freeview EPG logo. These products will also give you access to the full suite of Freeview channels (both standard definition and high definition).

Your electronics retailers will be able to help you select the equipment that best meets your needs.

The easiest way to test if your current equipment is high definition digital is by checking to see if the TV receives ONE HD. You can do this by going to Channel 1 on your television set, or channel 50 if you live in a regional area (excludes Darwin). TVs are Freeview-ready if they are able to receive ONE HD without the aid of a Pay TV box. You may need to retune the television before ONE HD will appear so don’t forget to give this a go if you are experiencing any problems.

New channels are launched on Freeview from time to time. So it pays to retune your digital box every couple of months to make sure you are up to date. Some digital boxes automatically retune but most have to be retuned manually. The process is straightforward but varies slightly between boxes from different manufacturers. Check the instruction manual that comes with the digital equipment.

All digital equipment will display the SD digital broadcast picture and sound. Only HD digital equipment will display both the SD and HD channels and receive the full Freeview suite of channels. Similarly, only equipment that bears the Freeview EPG logo will be able to receive the Freeview EPG.

Your local electronics retailers will be able to demonstrate the different features.

Yes, you will need to purchase HD equipment for each television set that is analogue. Alternatively, you could replace each television set with a new HD integrated television.

To access TVS on Freeview, you must first ensure you have a TV that is capable of receiving a digital signal. This means that you require either a high definition digital TV, or you can connect your existing analogue TV to a high definition set top box, a high definition digital recording device, or a home entertainment console that has both digital tuner and PVR capabilities - like a PlayStation3 with PlayTV attached.

If your digital TV or set-top box doesn’t automatically pick up TVS you will need to go into the menu via your remote control and follow the instructions on how to re-scan your channels. You may need to manually tune your TV into digital channel 44.

TVS is available to residents in the Sydney metropolitan area only.

For more information on TVS go to http://www.tvs.tv.If you continue to have difficulty tuning into TVS call the station on 02 9852-5000 or you can email TVS by http://www.tvs.tv.

Once you have digital capable equipment, it’s free. Freeview is the free-to-view TV service. There are no subscription fees and no ongoing costs.