Digital TV Introduction:-
taken from www.digitalready.gov.au
Contents:-
1. What is digital TV?
2. Why are we switching?
3. What do I have to do to make the switch?
4. When do I switch?
5. How do I switch?
6. Step-by-step guide to digital switchover?
What is digital TV?:
The word 'digital' simply refers to the way in which TV signals are broadcast (sent) and received by TVs in homes around Australia. Currently, Australian TV is broadcast using both digital and analog signals, but the analog signals will be phased out between 2010 and 2013.
The main benefit of digital TV is that most people will enjoy a much better picture and sound quality. You will also be able to receive more TV channels and see pictures in widescreen. The ABC has already introduced a digital-only channel – ABC2. The commercial networks (7, 9 and 10) also have their own digital channels.
Why are we switching?:
Currently, analog and digital broadcasts are transmitted side by side. This process is costly and inefficient and uses most of what is known as the 'broadcast spectrum' – or the space that's available for terrestrial television broadcasts. Turning off analog signals will free up a considerable amount of the spectrum so that it can be used for additional services.
Digital technology is being adopted all over the world, and it’s important that Australia keeps pace with global technological advances. Because digital technology is replacing analog, the equipment being produced globally (such as television production equipment, digital recording and playback equipment, and televisions) is now only compatible with digital formats. Before long, analog TV equipment will no longer be available in Australia.
What do I have to do to make the switch?:
To keep receiving free-to-air TV after the digital switchover in your area, you’ll need a television that is capable of receiving digital signals. There are two ways this can happen. You can either:
- Convert your existing analog TV using a digital set top box
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- Upgrade to a television with an in-built digital tuner
Most importantly, you do not have to buy a new TV if you don’t want to, because virtually all current analog TVs will be able to receive digital TV by adding a digital set top box.
When do I switch?:
There is no need to wait, you can switch now and enjoy digital TV right away. Digital TV is currently available in most areas, but your local broadcaster can confirm exactly what is currently available in your area.
More information is available in our Frequently Asked Questions.
The rollout map will show you when your area is going to switch.
How do I switch?:
Most households have two or three TVs, all of which will need to be converted if you wish to continue to use them to receive free-to-air TV once the switchover has occurred in your area. If you wish to record TV and you have a VCR recorder or DVD recorder, these will also need to be connected to a set top box. If you have more than one TV, you may want to plan to convert each set over a period of time. But, the sooner you convert the sooner you will be able to enjoy the benefits of digital TV.
Step-by-step guide to digital switchover:
- Check whether digital TV is available in your area
Digital TV is currently available in most areas, but your local broadcaster can confirm exactly what is currently available in your area.
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- Check what equipment you will need
You will need either a digital set top box to connect to your existing analog television to receive digital signals, or a television with an integrated digital tuner. If you already have a set top box or integrated digital TV, you should already be receiving digital signals, and will not have to do anything further.
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- Choose the equipment
A logo and labelling scheme has been developed by the government to help you switch. It informs you which TVs and set top boxes will receive high definition and standard definition signals, and which TVs require a set top box to receive digital free-to-air television. Further information about the labelling scheme can be found in the labelling section.
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- Can’t get it to work?
- Check your cables are in good condition and connected properly.
- Check your antenna.
- If problems still exist, contact a licensed antenna installer.
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- Shared antenna system
If you live in a flat, unit or building that uses a shared antenna system, check with your body corporate/strata manager or facilities manager whether the building is digital ready.
The Digital TV Antenna Systems Handbook provides guidance to planning, installation and modification of free-to-air digital TV shared antenna system.
Reference:
Department of Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy. (n.d.a). How do I switch?. Digital Switchover. Retrieved 12 May 2009 from http://www.digitalready.gov.au/how.aspx
Department of Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy. (n.d.a). What do I have to do to make the switch?. Digital Switchover. Retrieved 12 May 2009 from http://www.digitalready.gov.au/panel_what.aspx
Department of Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy. (n.d.a). What is Digital TV. Digital Switchover. Retrieved 12 May 2009 from http://www.digitalready.gov.au/panel_whatis.aspx
Department of Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy. (n.d.a). When do I switch?. Digital Switchover. Retrieved 12 May 2009 from http://www.digitalready.gov.au/when.aspx
Department of Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy. (n.d.a). Why is the Government switching off the analog signals?. Digital Switchover. Retrieved 12 May 2009 from http://www.digitalready.gov.au/panel_why.aspx
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