The switch to Digital TV:-
taken from www.digitalready.gov.au
Contents:-
1. Introduction
2. What do I need to do to prepare for the switchover?
3. Will I have to replace my TV when the switchover happens?
4. Which other countries have already switched over?
5. How much will the digital switchover cost me?
6. What happens if I don't do anything?
7. Is digital TV available in my area?
Introduction:
Digital television provides vastly improved picture and sound quality, including widescreen pictures and digital audio, including radio broadcasts. Digital television also offers the benefits of more channels and content. For example, the ABC has already introduced ABC2 which is only broadcast in digital. SBS has the SBS World News in digital. The Seven, Nine and Ten networks have introduced High Definition digital channels. Network Ten launched a digital-only sports channel, named One, in March 2009. Gradually, each of the free-to-air television broadcasters will be introducing new digital channels and content.
If you wish to continue to receive free-to-air shows, you will need a TV capable of receiving digital signals.
What do I need to do to prepare for the switchover?:
After the switchover free-to-air television will only be available in digital so you’ll need to have a television that is capable of receiving digital signals. You can either convert your existing analog TV using a digital set-top box, upgrade to a television with a built-in digital tuner, or subscribe to a subscription TV service that offers your digital free-to-air channels. If you don’t know whether or not your TV already has a built-in tuner, check to see if you can receive ABC2 or SBS World News. If you can your TV is already digital and you don’t need to change or upgrade it. If you are receiving ABC2 and SBS World News through your subscription TV service, you will need to check with your provider about access to other free-to-air digital channels. If you connect a set-top box to your analog TV and don’t get a good digital signal, you might need to check your antenna. Most people who are getting a good analog TV signal should receive a good digital signal.
Will I have to replace my TV when the switchover happens?:
Most analog TVs will be able to receive digital TV by connecting a digital set-top box. So unless your analog TV is very old (and not able to be connected to a set-top box) you won’t have to replace it unless you want to. However, different TVs use different connections, so it’s important to check the connection points on your TV before you purchase a set-top-box. Your local TV supplier should be able to supply you with the correct cabling.
Which other countries have already switched over?:
Some European countries have already completed the switchover to digital television, including the Netherlands and Sweden, while others such as Germany are close to completion or in the process of switching over. All European Union countries plan to be digital-only by the end of 2012. Like Australia, many of these countries are currently broadcasting digital television alongside analog television (simulcasting) while they phase-out analog. The United Kingdom has already commenced switchover, with the first region going fully digital in October 2007, and the United States conducted a nationwide switchover on 16 June 2009.
How much will the digital switchover cost me?:
Standard definition set top boxes typically cost between $30 and $80. High definition set top boxes are available from approximately $100. Replacing your television set with a set that contains a built-in digital tuner will cost more, depending on the brand, size and features that you choose. If you've already got digital TV, you wont need to do anything more.
What happens if I don't do anything?:
If you choose not to do anything you will lose access to free-to-air TV when the switchover is complete in your area. That’s why it’s important that you plan ahead and, if necessary, budget for the change to digital.
Is digital TV available in my area?:
Your local broadcaster can confirm whether a digital TV service has commenced in your area. Contact details for broadcasters can be obtained from Free TV
Additionally you can check the broadcasters’ websites for digital rollout information. The ABC and SBS provide detailed information on established digital services and information on the expected coverage of most of their digital services.
Local digital reception quality can be affected by trees, geography, buildings and other obstructions near your residence.
Reference:
Department of Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy. (n.d.a). Benefits of Digital television. Digital Switchover. Retrieved 12 May 2009 from http://www.digitalready.gov.au/why.aspx
Department of Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy. (n.d.a). FAQs. Digital Switchover. Retrieved 12 May 2009 from http://www.digitalready.gov.au/faqs.aspx
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