In the second half of 2012, areas of northern New South Wales (NSW) will switch off their analog TV signals and switch to digital only TV.
Early switchover towns
Switch off may occur earlier in some towns relying on a self-help transmission tower. More information regarding early switchover towns in your area will be provided as it becomes available.
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Reception
If your current analog reception is good, in most cases your digital reception should be fine as well. If you have concerns regarding your digital TV reception you may wish to use mySwitch to find information regarding your predicted coverage and your nearest endorsed antenna installers.
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Household Assistance Scheme
Applications for the Household Assistance Scheme will open approximately six months from the switch off date in your area.
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Satellite Subsidy Scheme
A satellite subsidy is available for eligible households who currently rely on a self-help TV retransmission tower to switch to the new Viewer Access Satellite Television (VAST) service.
Applications for the Satellite Subsidy Scheme for northern NSW open in July 2012.
The following towns may be eligible for the subsidy:
Bolivia
Bonny Hills
Copi Hollow
Cumborah
Deepwater
Drake
Elizabeth Beach
Emmaville
Enngonia
Glengarry |
Goodooga
Grawin
Ivanhoe
Menindee
Mount George
Nundle
Sunset Strip
Urbenville
Weilmoringle
White Cliffs |
If you live in any of the above towns, you are not automatically eligible for the subsidy. After you apply, your address and registration details will be verified by the Digital Switchover Taskforce before your eligibility can be confirmed.
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VAST
The Central and Eastern VAST (Viewer Access Satellite Television) service offers free-to-air satellite TV to regional and remote areas of Northern Territory, Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania.
To check your eligibility, enter your full address in mySwitch.
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Special events
Need more help to get ready for digital TV? Why not attend one of the special events organised to help people in areas of northern NSW get digital ready. Enter your address into mySwitch to find your nearest event.
Good news stories
Discover how our programs and services have helped people convert to digital TV.
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Local help is available
As areas of northern NSW gets closer to switching off analog TV signals, a team of digital switchover liaison officers will begin working with local councils and community organisations to help people get ready for digital TV. To find out if there is a liaison officer in your area call the Digital Ready Information Line on 1800 20 10 13.
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Digital advisors
Approved digital advisors at participating stores and can provide advice on digital TV and recording equipment and help you understand your digital TV options. Enter your address into mySwitch to find your nearest approved digital advisor.
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Endorsed antenna installers
Endorsed antenna installers can help you with cabling, antenna, satellite and reception issues. Enter your address into mySwitch to find your nearest endorsed antenna installer.
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Multi-dwelling units, apartments and townhouses
Some units and townhouses may require an upgrade or installation of a new shared antenna system to get ready for digital TV. Installing or upgrading an antenna system can take time as often there needs to be agreement from all owners, so you need to start planning now. If you own or rent and are unsure if your building is ready for digital TV, speak to your landlord or property manager. If you own and rent out a property, speak with the owners' corporation or body corporate.
For more detailed information, use our Antenna Systems eToolkit (ASeT) to assess your building, reception issues and options for becoming digital ready.
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