Australia is 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 and will begin in Mildura on 29th June 2010 and each region in Australia will be switched by the 31st of December 2013.
Go to
http://www.digitalready.gov.au for more information.
It's important that Australia keeps pace with worldwide changes in technology. Overseas programs are increasingly being recorded in the
digital format only and Australian TV shows need to be recorded in the
digital format to be easily exported overseas.
The Government also wants to free up broadcast space in Australia. TV is currently broadcast in both
digital and
analogue signals. This is costly and inefficient. Turning off the
analogue signals will free up space that could be used for other services for the community.
In addition to this, moving to
digital will improve the viewing experience. Picture and sound quality on
digital TV is better, pictures on
digital TV can be seen in
widescreen and with Freeview, you will continue to have the same
free-to-air channels, plus lots of new channels which means more content and more choice.
The switchover process will commence in 2010 and will continue until the end of 2013. It will be rolled-out progressively around the country, region by region. The first region to be switched off will be Mildura on 30th June 2010 and the last region is Sydney on 31st December 2013.
Go to
http://www.digitalready.gov.au to find out when the
analogue transmission will be switched off in your area.
There is no need to wait until your region is being switched off before you convert to
digital, you can switch now and enjoy the benefits of
digital TV right away.
Digital TV is currently available in most areas.
