Digital free-to-air TV consists of the same TV channels you currently receive through analog television, as well as some additional channels (such as ABC2, ABC3 or SBS TWO). Free-to-air broadcasters (Seven, Nine, Ten, the ABC and SBS) are expected to be progressively adding new digital channels and content over the next few years.

Digital switchover is the process of progressively turning off analog TV broadcasts across Australia and replacing them with digital.

Free-to-air television signals are currently broadcast in both analog and digital formats. During the digital switchover all free-to-air analog television signals across Australia will be progressively turned off and the broadcasters will provide only digital television signals.

Digital TV commenced in 2001 in metropolitan areas and digital signals have been broadcast in many regional areas since then. Digital broadcasts are currently transmitted alongside analog broadcasts, but when the analog signals are switched off, only TVs which are capable of receiving digital signals through a set top box or built-in tuner will work.

If your TV isn’t capable of receiving digital signals, it’s likely that you’re still viewing TV that is transmitted via analog broadcasts. An easy way to tell is whether you receive ABC2, ABC3 or SBS TWO – these are standard definition digital channels and if you can view them (and you don’t have subscription TV), it means your TV is capable of receiving digital broadcasts.

Freeview is the free digital television service in Australia. It comprises all the channels from Australia’s free-to-view broadcasters, including the ABC, SBS, Seven Network, Nine Network, Network Ten, Southern Cross, Prime and WIN. Freeview provides up to six more channels than would otherwise be received via analog television. The additional channels include ABC 2, ABC 3, SBS TWO, 7TWO, GO! and ONE. In addition, 7HD, 9HD, ABC HD and SBS HD provide simulcast programming of their main channel in high definition (HD) quality. ONE HD is also simulcast in standard definition in metropolitan areas. In the future, these simulcast channels will be replaced with unique programming. To find out which channels are available in each region of Australia on Freeview, go to www.freeview.com.au.

To receive all the channels that are offered on Freeview in your area, you will need to convert to high definition digital TV equipment. Your local electronics retailer will be able to help you find the most appropriate products for your needs.

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 and ABC3 which are only broadcast in digital. SBS has SBS TWO 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. Nine Network introduced GO! a digital-only channel in August 2009. Seven Network launched free-to-air digital channel 7TWO in November 2009. Gradually, each of the free-to-air television broadcasters will be introducing new digital channels and content.

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. Before long, analog TV equipment will no longer be available in Australia.

If your subscription TV package provides access to some or all of the free-to-air channels, you'll still be able to watch these through your subscription TV box provided the broadcasters continue to allow their signals to be carried by the subscription TV provider. However, you may not be able to access all the free-to-air channels through subscription TV, so if you want to see the standard definition or high definition channels available in your area, you may need to connect a set top box or a digital TV recorder (if your TV is analog). Alternatively, you may get a TV with a built-in digital tuner. If you are already subscribing or planning to subscribe to a subscription TV service, you should check with your provider and enquire about their options.

Some subscription TV companies provide their customers with access to digital free-to-air channels as part of their package of channels. In this case, subscription TV provides an alternative option to convert to digital television. If you are already a subscription TV customer you may not need to do anything further to convert to digital TV if you are currently able to view free-to-air channels through your subscription TV box. If you are considering subscription TV as a means of viewing free-to-air television, you may wish to check with the provider in your area as to which of the digital free-to-air channels are offered. You should also consider what will happen to your free-to-air channels if you end your subscription TV contract after analog broadcasts are switched off in your area. At this stage, one of the subscription TV providers, AUSTAR, offers, to those customers who subscribe to their MyStar service, the option of retaining their access to free-to-air services if they end their contract by supplying them with a digital receiver. If you have a Mystar digital box you should check with AUSTAR about the details of this offer. Monthly fees apply to subscription TV services. Other than the AUSTAR service mentioned above you would generally lose access to free-to-air television if you were to end your subscription TV contract after switchover unless your television has a digital tuner built in or has been adapted by the addition of a digital set top box or digital TV recorder.

A set top box consumes a small amount of additional electricity. A new television may consume more electricity than your old one, depending on what type you choose. From April 2009, Energy Efficiency labels will soon be mandatory on all new televisions to help you choose the most efficient model. Like all electrical equipment, televisions and set top boxes continue to use power while in stand-by mode, so its best to turn them off completely when you're not using them.

Standard definition broadcast quality is superior to that obtained from analog television broadcasts, traditionally viewed on 4:3 television sets, and is ghost-free and in widescreen format.

The SD picture resolution is 576 lines x 720 active pixels @ 50Hz interlaced (576i).

The Government requires broadcasters to provide a digital SD signal at all times, even when high definition programs are broadcast. This is to ensure that viewers with SD receivers will always receive a digital television service, even when the higher quality high definition television signal is transmitted.

High definition broadcasts have image resolution that is superior to SD pictures and to the existing analog television broadcast.

Australian broadcasters are currently using four different levels of HD:

The benefits of HD pictures at the highest resolution are particularly noticeable on larger screen sets and when using projection equipment.

HD pictures are also ghost-free and in widescreen format. When viewed on a HD capable television screen the viewer can enjoy cinema-quality viewing with Dolby Digital sound (where available with some HD programming).

This is a television with a built-in digital tuner (iDTV) for receiving and displaying digital television transmissions. A set with iDTV generally incorporates a high quality widescreen display and a high-level audio capability with appropriate audio/video connectors. It does not require a digital television set top box, although connection of an additional set top box could provide recording or other functionality.

If you currently rely on an indoor antenna - also know as 'rabbit ears' – to get analog TV you may need to upgrade to an external antenna to receive adequate and reliable digital signals. This is because it is unlikely that all digital channels will be available with the same orientation as the indoor antenna. However, in areas of high signal strength, an indoor antenna may be sufficient to receive all digital free-to-air channels.

The Government has established the Digital Switchover Taskforce to manage the digital switchover process. The Taskforce is part of the Department of Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy and is located in Sydney.

The Community TV channels (available in Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney) are currently being transmitted in analog only. If you buy a digital set top box for your analog TV you will still be able to receive the Community TV channels if you have your TV set up to receive both analog and digital signals. If you do not know how to do this your local TV supplier should be able to supply you with the correct cabling. Many new sets on the market now have dual analog and digital tuners and are capable of receiving the Community TV channels. If you're buying a new digital TV and want to continue to watch the Community TV channels, you should ask your retailer to advise you which digital TV sets also have analog tuners.

The Government is working with Community TV to ensure Community TV channels are available to viewers in digital.

If you currently watch Imparja through an antenna, as opposed to a satellite dish, then depending on when Imparja’s digital television network is rolled out you will be able to watch the digital services of Imparja and other remote area broadcasters.

If you receive Imparja via a satellite, then these services will continue to be provided in the same way.

If you have tried to switch to digital by installing digital equipment and you can’t get it to work, you should first ensure that your cables are in good condition and connected properly.

If you still can’t receive a picture, contact an experienced antenna installer to see whether digital signals are available where you live. Digital services may not be available; however, the Government is working on a number of solutions to deliver digital television signals to all households in the country by the time analog signals are switched off.

If you are living in an area that experiences certain weather patterns, such as heavy rain or frequent storms, there can be an impact on digital television. This is much the same as the impact weather can have on analog television, however the on-screen results can be quite different. This kind of weather can produce snow or ghosting with analog signals. But with digital, the result can be freezing of the picture, pixilation, or a temporary loss of signal.

This depends on how often this is occurring. If it is regular, you should contact a qualified antenna installer to see if the situation can be improved.

Both standard and high definition television are digital formats.  Standard definition (SD) television provides digital images and sound that is considerably better than analog. High definition (HD) television is an enhancement that provides higher resolution images and Dolby Digital surround sound. If you connect a set top box to an analog television, or have a television with a standard definition digital tuner, you will receive all the standard definition free-to-air digital channels. To see all the benefits of high definition television, including the free-to-air HD channels, you need a television capable of displaying high definition images that either has a built-in HD tuner or is connected to a high definition set top box.

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.

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 or digital TV recorder, 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 TWO. 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 TWO 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 or digital TV recorder 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. You may also consider contacting your local broadcaster to enquire if digital services have commenced in your area.

Most analog TVs will be able to receive digital TV by connecting a digital set top box or digital TV recorder. So unless your analog TV is very old (and not able to be connected to a set top box or digital TV recorder) 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 or digital TV recorder. Your local TV supplier should be able to supply you with the correct cabling.

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 12 June 2009

Set top boxes, digital TV recorders and new TVs with built-in tuners are all available with either Standard Definition (SD) or High Definition (HD) tuners. Standard definition set top boxes typically cost between $30 and $80. High definition set top boxes are available from approximately $100. Digital TV recorders generally cost more than set top boxes because of their additional features, your choice of these features will determine the increased cost from a basic set top box. 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 won’t need to do anything more.

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.

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.

The switchover will begin in 2010 and continue until the end of 2013. It will be rolled-out progressively around the country, region by region.

Click on the link below to find out the Digital Switchover Timetable.

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.

You should think about converting now. The sooner you convert the sooner you will be able to enjoy the benefits of digital television. If you have more than one television in your home, you might want to plan to convert each set over a course of time. But once all the TVs, VCRs and DVD recorders in your house on which you want to watch or record digital TV are converted, you don’t need to do anything more, and you probably won’t notice when the switchover occurs in your area.

You will need either a digital set top box or digital TV recorder to connect to your existing analog television to receive digital signals, a television with an integrated digital tuner, or a subscription TV service that offers digital free-to-air channels.

Set top boxes, digital TV recorders and new TVs with in-built tuners are all available with either Standard Definition (SD) or High Definition (HD) tuners. HD tuners receive all digital TV channels available and SD tuners receive SD channels only. Please consider your needs when converting to digital TV.

Digital TV recorders have many names, including Digital Video Recorders (DVRs), Personal Video Recorders (PVRs), Digital Versatile Disk Recorders (DVD Recorders), Hard Disk Recorders (HD Recorders) or Hard Disk Digital Versatile Disk Recorders (HD DVD Recorders). There are many options. However a digital TV recorder is a device can both receive the digital services and record them in some format, normally to a Hard Drive.

You will need either a digital set top box or digital TV recorder to connect to your existing analog television to receive digital signals, a television with an integrated digital tuner, or a subscription TV service that offers digital free-to-air channels.

Set top boxes, digital TV recorders and new TVs with in-built tuners are all available with either Standard Definition (SD) or High Definition (HD) tuners. HD tuners receive all digital TV channels available and SD tuners receive SD channels only. Please consider your needs when converting to digital TV.

Yes, unless it is so old that it can't be connected to a set top box or digital TV recorder. Once you connect a set top box or digital TV recorder to your analog TV you'll have improved picture and sound quality as well as the extra digital channels. There are many models of set top box and digital TV recorder, from the basic to the highly sophisticated, so you can choose the option that is best for you. It must be remembered that a set top box or digital TV recorder will not give you all the possible benefits of digital TV, such as widescreen pictures or high definition picture quality.

If you are able to connect a DVD player or VCR to your television, you should have no trouble connecting a digital set top box. The vast majority of people will be able to easily convert their TVs. However, if you're worried about conversion, ask your family, friends or neighbours first. The many TV retailers should also be able to help you. If you choose subscription TV, your service provider should provide full service installation and support.

If you currently rely on an indoor antenna - also know as 'rabbit ears' – to get analog TV you may need to upgrade to an external antenna to receive adequate and reliable digital signals. This is because it is unlikely that all digital channels will be available with the same orientation as the indoor antenna. However, in areas of high signal strength, an indoor antenna may be sufficient to receive all digital free-to-air channels.

Many existing antennas will be able to receive digital transmissions without any problem, but in some cases equipment may need to be upgraded to receive reliable digital signals.

You will need to find out if the current TV antenna is designed for the same band of operation that the digital TV broadcasts in the area will be transmitted on. In some cases it will need to be upgraded because the new digital channels are in a new frequency band or because the antenna is older or not in good condition.

There is no such thing as a ‘digital antenna’, but some antennas have been manufactured specifically to receive both digital and analog channels (particularly those made after 2000). You can have your antenna system assessed by an antenna installer to find out whether it needs to be replaced.

Existing wall plates and cabling may require replacement in some circumstances, for example where they are old or damaged. If the cabling needs to be replaced, RG6 quad shielded coaxial cable is recommended.

You can have your antenna system assessed by an antenna installer to find out whether it needs to be replaced.

Your building may need to upgrade its antenna system in order to ensure good quality access to digital TV. This may be necessary if, for example, components are broken, corroded, outdated or of poor quality.

You will need to find out if the current TV antenna is designed for the same band of operation that the digital TV broadcasts in the area will be transmitted on. In some cases it will need to be upgraded either because the new digital channels are in a new frequency band or because the antenna is older or not in good condition and can’t receive adequate signal.

The building’s antenna system (including cabling) can be assessed by an antenna installer with experience in master antenna TV (MATV) systems to find out if it needs to be replaced or upgraded.

Responsibility for the upgrade of antenna systems in rental properties (where necessary) should be discussed with your landlord. There is no legal obligation on a landlord to supply a television antenna or to guarantee television reception. However, your landlord may be willing to finance the upgrade in order to maintain the value of the property.

Two handbooks have been produced that provide information about antennas and other issues that could affect digital television reception. There is one book for people living in apartment blocks and other buildings with a shared antenna system, and another book for people living in houses with a single antenna. Click here to download The Digital TV Antenna Systems Handbook or Digital TV Antenna Systems for Homes Handbook.

Research to identify potential issues for digital conversion in buildings with shared antenna systems is underway. The research covers apartment blocks of varying sizes, as well as public buildings such as hospitals and schools. Case studies outlining a range of conversion scenarios will be produced from the research to assist body corporates, strata managers and building owners to identify what is likely to be involved in upgrading their buildings for digital television, and what the approximate costs may be.

The research will be finished by the end of 2009 and case studies should be available on our website in early 2010.

Broadcasters have recently introduced a number of additional television services in regional markets, both in standard definition and high definition. High definition services are only available if you have a high definition receiver. Some viewers may also need to re-scan their set-top-box or integrated digital television receiver to receive these services. Viewers should refer to their receiver¹s instruction manual or access the set-up menu and choose the re-scan option.

A set top box enables you to watch digital TV broadcasts on an analog TV. If you want to keep your existing analog TV, you'll need a set top box to be able to see digital free-to-air TV after the switchover. Set top boxes range from basic Standard Definition (SD) models to High Definition (HD) models and may include electronic program guides and interactive features such as pausing and replaying live TV.  Its best to shop around before you decide which set top box suits your needs.

The main difference between set top boxes is in their ability to display either standard definition (SD) or high definition (HD) digital television. More sophisticated models have features such as an electronic program guide and let you record programs to an internal hard disk drive or DVD.  Whether you choose to have an SD or HD set top box depends on your television.  An SD set top box will let you see all the standard definition free-to-air digital channels, while an HD box will also let you see the HD channels provided by the free-to-air networks.  If you connect an HD set top box to a TV that is not capable of showing programs in high definition, you'll still get the additional channels but without the high definition quality.

You will need to convert every television if you want to continue to watch free-to-air television broadcasts. So a set top box will be needed for every television you want to convert unless it already has a digital TV tuner built-in.

This depends on your circumstances. A set top box is usually the cheapest option to convert an existing television. A digital TV recorder will enable your existing analog TV to both view and record digital TV. Many new television sets contain a built-in digital tuner and don’t need anything other than an antenna. If you are already subscribing or planning to subscribe to a subscription TV service, you may wish to check with your provider and enquire about their options.

There are many different types of set top boxes. Basic standard definition models can be purchased from around $40, while high definition models range from $100 up. Very sophisticated models (which may include recording capability) can cost up to $800. The type of set top box you purchase will depend on your individual needs. If you decide to watch free-to-air channels through a subscription television digital box, check with the provider in your area about monthly subscription costs.

Be very wary of unsolicited callers who want to sell you digital television products in your home.

The Australian Government or the Digital Switchover Taskforce will not sell any digital television products door-to-door, either directly or indirectly through other companies or salespeople, or reimburse people for digital television goods or services bought from any retailers, including door-to-door salespeople.

If you are unsure about any product, service or selling arrangement, especially if a salesperson has come to your home without being asked, you should check our website or Digital Ready Information Line and make sure of the facts before you buy or enter into any commitment.

If you would like to purchase a digital TV receiver, seek advice from a retail outlet near you. Some electronic retailers around Australia have completed the Australian Government Digital Advisor training scheme, to find out which stores have Digital Advisors click here

Some electronic retailers with Digital Advisors provide alternative purchase methods, such as home shopping. Contact these retailers directly for details.

Yes. The Australian Government will provide some services to eligible households, for example, under the Household Assistance Scheme. The Scheme has commenced in Mildura/Sunraysia TV licence area in early 2010.

Potentially eligible households will be contacted by Centrelink and invited to test their eligibility. Eligible households who opt into the Scheme will be advised that a technician from a specified company will make an appointment to visit their home and install the necessary equipment free of charge.

You can find more information about the Household Assistance Scheme here

The Australian Government or the Digital Switchover Taskforce will not sell any digital television products door-to-door, either directly or indirectly through other companies or salespeople, or reimburse people for digital television goods or services bought from any retailers, including door-to-door salespeople.

State and territory governments have special laws about door-to-door sales. Some may include a cooling off period, during which you can change your mind, cancel any contract or agreement that you have signed and request your money back. The fair trading agency in your state or territory can provide specific advice.

Contact details and information on how to lodge a complaint can be found at the Australian Consumer and Competition Commission's ‘Scam Watch’ website. If you think that a door-to-door trader has defrauded you in some way, whether by not providing the goods or services promised or taking more money than the agreed cost of the goods or services provided, you should immediately contact your local fair trading agency.

An EPG is the electronic version of a printed program guide. Using your remote control you will be able to see on-screen what's on now and what's on next for all free-to-air services. You may also be able to search for a particular program by theme or category e.g. sporting programs or movies.

Extra text and picture information (such as story line, episode description, etc.) can be called up as well. The EPG is available at the click of a remote control button.

Closed captioning provides deaf and hearing-impaired viewers with a text version of the dialogue, songs and sound effects included in television programs. The text is usually shown in a black box at the bottom of the picture. Current analog captioning is received on analog receivers with teletext capability. Captioning is normally closed to viewers but can be accessed by those who need it.

Closed captioning does not interfere with normal viewing. Some digital television set top boxes and integrated digital televisions include closed captioning decoding capability.

Consumers intending to purchase a digital television set top box or an integrated digital television and use closed captioning should, before purchase, check on the set top box or integrated digital televisions capabilities.

All digital television receivers carrying the Australian Government's digital TV ready labels for either standard definition or high definition are capable of displaying closed captioning.

Closed captioning of programming is incorporated in all English language news and current affairs programs as well as for all prime time programs (6.00pm to 10.30pm).

Because a digital television broadcast signal can carry much more data than analog, it is possible for broadcasters to provide more than one channel of SD programming at the same time. This is known as multichannelling. Turning off analog signals will provide viewers with extra channels, while also freeing up the broadcast spectrum for other purposes such as wireless broadband or mobile phone services.

The scheme has been established for retailers, as part of the Australian Government’s quality assurance measures to give consumers confidence when purchasing digital television reception equipment.

Under the scheme, retailers who supply digital television equipment can register to have their business licensed to use the Australian Government Get Ready for Digital TV logo and to nominate staff to become Digital Advisors.

In order to qualify as Digital Advisors, staff from approved retailers must complete an online assessment module. Once qualified, retail staff will be able to inform consumers about the options to get ready for digital television, the digital switchover labelling scheme, digital switchover and where to find more information.

The scheme is not available to door-to-door or other roaming type businesses.

Participation in the scheme is voluntary.

All Australian Government approved Digital Advisors must wear a badge carrying the Australian Government Get Ready for Digital TV logo. The badge also displays the advisor’s name and when their digital advisor status expires.

Find a list of retailers with Digital Advisors here.

Register your interest by emailing us at: switchover_retailers@dbcde.gov.au.

An application form will be sent to you to complete and send back.

There is no cost to participate and no ongoing fees.

Retailers approved for registration will be offered a licence agreement to use the Australian Government Get Ready for Digital TV logo in association with the Retail Advisor Scheme.

The licence permits retailers to use the logo in advertising and promotional material to publicise the availability of approved Digital Advisors in their store. On completion of the licensing agreement you will be given access to the Get Ready for Digital TV logo to use for promoting your services.

To become a Digital Advisor, the retail business where you work must have signed a licence agreement to participate in the Australian Government Retail Advisor Scheme. Once the business has joined the scheme, the nominated store contact will be sent the details on how to access the online assessment system. In order to qualify as Digital Advisors, staff from approved retailers must complete an online assessment module.

There is no cost to participate and no ongoing fees.

This scheme has been established as part of the Australian Government’s quality assurance measures to ensure consumers have access to skilled and endorsed antenna installers, to help them become ready for digital TV.

Antenna installers register and complete an online assessment of their skills to qualify for Australian Government endorsement. Installers can be endorsed at three levels: Domestic, Commercial and/or Satellite.

Businesses with an endorsed installer can register to have their business licensed to use the Australian Government’s Get Ready for Digital TV logo. Participation in this scheme is voluntary. More information about the Scheme is available here

A list of endorsed antenna installers is available here

All endorsed antenna installers must wear a badge carrying the Australian Government’s Get Ready for Digital TV logo. The badge also displays the installer’s name, photograph, ID number, endorsement end date, and the type of installation they are endorsed for (Domestic, Commercial and/or Satellite).

Find an example of the endorsed antenna installer badge here

All endorsed antenna installers agree to the scheme’s requirements, complete a skills assessment and provide us with information including:

• proof of one year’s experience as an installer
• details of the digital signal measurement equipment they use
• evidence that they (or their employer) have public liability insurance at a minimum value of $5 million
• their ABN or the ABN of their employer
• photo identification.

Their skills and knowledge have been assessed against industry agreed minimum standards. These standards are based on skills and knowledge covered in Certificates II and III in Telecommunications Digital Reception Technology.

Installers can be endorsed at one or more of three levels:

• Domestic
• Commercial
• Satellite.

You need to register at www.digitalready.gov.au/antennainstallerlogon before you can have your skills assessed online.

Once your details have been entered and your registration approved, you will receive an email from the Digital Switchover Taskforce. You can then log in to the system and complete the online assessment. You must pass the assessment for the Domestic level before you can complete the assessment for the Commercial and/or Satellite level/s.

To register, you will need:

• Proof of one year’s experience in the industry conducting antenna installations for digital TV. You will need to provide the name and contact details of an industry referee who can verify this.
• The name, model and serial number of the digital signal meter equipment you use to measure digital signal, bit error ratio (BER) and modulation error ratio (MER).
• Evidence that you (or your employer) have public liability insurance to a minimum value of $5 million. You will need to provide the details and a copy of the policy certificate.
• Your ABN or the ABN of your employer.
• Photo identification, for example, a copy of your driver’s licence or passport.
• A current photo meeting the same requirements specified for Australian passport photos. Find A guide to acceptable photos here

You will need to upload this information on to the online registration system. Please be aware that certified copies of your registration documents may be requested.

Before you can register, you must read and agree to the Terms and Conditions of the Antenna Installer Endorsement Scheme which are available on the registration site.

If you do not have access to a scanner we can upload your documents onto the system. Please send your documents to:

Antenna Installer Endorsement Scheme
Digital Switchover Taskforce
GPO Box 4112
Sydney NSW 2001

Please include your full name and address on the back of all documents to ensure your information is correctly entered onto the system. Unfortunately we are unable to return your personal documentation. You will receive an email once your details are entered and your registration is approved. You will then be able to log on to the registration site and complete the assessment.

Please be aware that certified copies of your registration documents may be requested.

No. There is no cost to participate and no ongoing fees.

Your skills will be assessed against industry agreed minimum standards. These standards are based on units of competency covered in Certificates II and III in Telecommunications Digital Reception Technology.

Domestic

The Domestic assessment has four modules:

• Working safely
• Coaxial cabling
• Installing antennas
• Equipment.

You have a specified time to complete each module but you can take a break between modules.

We recommend you allow 90 minutes to complete the Domestic assessment.

Commercial

The Commercial assessment has two modules:

• Install complex systems
• Alter and trouble shoot complex systems.

You have a specified time to complete each module but you can take a break between modules.

We recommend you allow 45 minutes to complete the Commercial assessment.

Satellite

The Satellite assessment has one module:

• Satellite free-to-air installation.

We recommend you allow 30 minutes to complete the Satellite assessment.

Yes. All antenna installers will need to complete the online assessment to be endorsed under the Antenna Installer Endorsement Scheme.

Yes. We need to assess the skills of all antenna installers in a fair and consistent way.

Yes. You will need to complete the online assessment to be endorsed under the Antenna Installer Endorsement Scheme.

If your business employs and/or engages an endorsed antenna installer, you can register for a licence under the scheme. This licence will permit your business to use the Australian Government’s Get Ready for Digital TV logo in promotional material to publicise your employment and/or engagement of endorsed antenna installer(s). To register your business click here.

If none of the antenna installers employed or engaged by your business are endorsed, they will need to register and qualify for endorsement under the scheme before your business can become eligible for the licence.

The scheme is not available to door-to-door or other roaming type businesses.

Yes. Businesses with at least one endorsed installer, and approved for registration will be offered a licence agreement to use the Australian Government Get Ready for Digital TV logo in association with the Antenna Installer Endorsement Scheme.

The licence permits an antenna installation business to use the campaign logo in advertising and promotional material to publicise its engagement of the Endorsed Antenna Installer(s). On completion of the licensing agreement you will be given access to the Get Ready for Digital TV logo to use for promoting your services. You can register your business here.

Industry agreed minimum standards are based on the following units of competency from Certificates II and III in Digital Reception Technology, accepted into the national accredited training framework in 2009.

Domestic (Basic) (Single Dwelling Domestic Installation)

• ICTTC170A Follow OH&S and environmental policy and procedures
• ICTTC140B Use hand and power tools
• ICTTC011D Place, secure and terminate co-axial cable
• ICTTC164A Install terrestrial antenna
• ICTTC095D Conduct radio frequency measurements
• ICTTC156A Install Digital Reception Equipment (DRE)

Commercial (Advanced) (MDU MATV Installation) Build on above skill sets, provide skills and knowledge for more complex systems (MATV/CATV) etc.

• ICTTC015D Locate and identify cable system faults
• ICTTC017D Alter services to existing cable system
• ICTTC165A Install complex digital reception systems

Satellite (Advanced) (Free-to-air Satellite Installation) Build on above skill sets, provide skills and knowledge to install satellite systems

• ICTTC163A Install satellite antenna

If you experience technical problems or have difficulties logging in to the registration system please call 1300 857 687.

The Australian Government will implement a satellite service to provide digital television to viewers in remote areas and regional blackspot areas. This will give people living in regional and remote areas access to the same number of television channels as people in cities.

Most Australians receive their television services from the network of broadcaster-owned transmission towers and they will continue to do so after the switch to digital. However, for those who live outside the coverage of this terrestrial network, a new satellite television service is needed to ensure they can enjoy the same benefits of digital television as other Australians.

Satellite is the most effective way of achieving the levels of coverage required to address all blackspot areas. For the first time all free-to-air digital television services, including the original three commercial and two national channels, and the new digital services such as ABC2, ABC3, SBS TWO, GO!, 7TWO and One HD, will be available to all Australians, no matter where they live.

The satellite service will provide regional viewers with access to the local news currently broadcast in their TV licence area via a dedicated local news channel. It will also provide viewers with access to the ABC’s new 24-hour news high definition multi-channel which will be launched later this year.

Because the satellite service will cover the whole of Australia, special arrangements are needed to ensure that local news and information are provided to viewers.

All regional commercial broadcasters will contribute the local news and information content from every market where they operate, to the new satellite service.

The news content will be aggregated into one or more dedicated news channels which will be part of the satellite service. Details of these channels are still being negotiated with the commercial broadcasters. The broad objective is to ensure that all satellite viewers are able to access the same local news as other viewers in the area where they live, within a reasonable time of it being provided by the local transmissions. Viewers would use their remote controls to select the news channel if they wish to see their local news bulletins.

ABC and SBS news services will be provided by the ABC and SBS on the satellite, not as part of the news channel. ABC services will be state based, and SBS’s nightly national news bulletins will be broadcast at 6.30pm and 9.30pm. The new ABC 24-hour news channel will also be provided when it commences.

The final cost of the digital satellite broadcasting service will be determined following negotiations between broadcasters and satellite service providers. However the Government will fund the full cost of building and operating the service, for the potential benefit of up to 247,000 households across Australia.

Under an agreement reached with all television broadcasters across Australia, broadcasters will also upgrade a substantial number of ‘self-help’ transmission facilities to operate in digital. Details of this list are still being negotiated with broadcasters and will be made available in due course.

These measures are part of Australia’s ongoing switchover to digital-only television and will be in place before analog services are switched off in each regional broadcast licence area.

The broadcasters have indicated to the Government that, while the timetable is challenging, the satellite service is expected to be available in time for the switch off of analog television services in Mildura on 30 June 2010.

The commercial broadcasters have also indicated they intend to extend digital television terrestrial coverage to both Underbool and Ouyen in the Mildura licence area by 30 June 2010. This will mean that the overwhelming majority of viewers in signal deficient areas in the Mildura/Sunraysia district will be able to receive the local digital television services terrestrially.

The Government is working closely with broadcasters to make sure that the new satellite service will be available to viewers well before the area in which they live switches over to digital-only television.

The new satellite service will be available to eligible viewers who will, after the switchover to digital-only television in their area, live in areas outside terrestrial television coverage, or in fringe or marginal television reception areas. It will also be available to viewers in remote Australia, who currently rely on the Remote Area Broadcasting Service (RABS) which is provided by satellite.

The Government is working closely with broadcasters to finalise the details of how access to the satellite service will be managed.

It is difficult to estimate exactly how many viewers will need to receive the new satellite service, but the number is expected to be a small proportion of the overall viewing population. Many of these households already rely on satellite reception for their television. The new satellite service will provide a vastly increased number of channels compared to RABS, and will for the first time provide access to local news.

In order to access the new satellite service, households will need to install direct to home satellite reception equipment including a satellite dish and set top box.

Set top boxes for the new satellite service are not yet available in the Australian market. Further information on the operation of the satellite service and the availability of set top boxes will be made available on this website.

The costs of installation will vary depending on the location, the size of the satellite receiving dish and characteristics of the viewer’s home. The average cost for households in regional areas is estimated to be $650.

Households that currently rely on an analog self-help site to receive television services, and which is not being upgraded to digital by the broadcasters, will be eligible for a $400 subsidy from the Australian Government to install direct-to-home satellite reception equipment.

The subsidy is in recognition of the investment in analog infrastructure by local communities which, if not for digital switchover, would have continued to provide television services to those communities.

The Household Assistance Scheme (HAS) provides practical in-home assistance to households where at least one resident is receiving a maximum rate Age Pension, Disability Support Pension, Carer payment, Department of Veteran’s Affairs (DVA) service pension or the DVA income support supplement payment.

People eligible for the HAS who are reliant on the new satellite service will receive the necessary set top box required to access the new service. Those eligible for the HAS program that also own their own homes will also be receive the necessary satellite dish and external cabling.

Self-help sites receive and retransmit signals from the main television broadcaster towers or satellites to viewers in areas that cannot get any or adequate coverage from the main towers. Located across Australia, they were established to provide analog television signals in areas which were not serviced by the broadcasters directly, and tend to cover low populations in remote and regional areas.

They are usually owned and operated by local Councils, community organisations, businesses such as mines or Indigenous groups.

Although many self-help sites will be converted to digital as part of an agreement between the Government and the broadcasters, approximately 600 sites will remain unconverted.

The vast majority of these 600 self-help sites retransmit television signals from satellite, being the Remote Area Broadcasting Service (RABS) currently on the Aurora satellite platform. The new satellite service will provide a vastly increased number of channels compared to RABS, and will for the first time provide access to local news.

The Government is currently consulting with broadcasters to identify those self-help sites which will be upgraded to digital.

In the Sunraysia/Mildura region, which is the first licence area to switch to digital-only television, the self-help site at Underbool will be upgraded to digital and a new digital terrestrial transmitter will be established at Ouyen.

The satellite service for the Sunraysia/Mildura region is expected to commence prior to 30 June 2010, when analog television services will be switched off in that licence area.

The Government will write to licensees of self-help retransmission sites and other interested parties to outline its approach to addressing signal deficiencies. This will provide an opportunity for licensees to begin the process of discussing arrangements with the broadcasters, and of informing local communities about the options that will be available to them as switchover approaches.

Ultimately, it will be a commercial decision for broadcasters as to which sites they choose to convert, subject to planning approval from the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA).

Where a community’s self-help retransmission facility is not converted to digital, communities will be able to move to the satellite service. The Government will provide a subsidy to those currently served by self-help retransmission sites to assist with the cost of purchasing and installing direct-to-home satellite reception equipment. Households in remote Indigenous communities that are currently served by self-help retransmission sites will also be provided assistance to move to satellite. Details of the subsidy arrangements are still being determined.

Should a local community that relies on a self-help facility that is not converted to digital by the broadcasters choose not to move to the Government-funded satellite service, the community may elect to upgrade the self-help facility to digital at its own expense, subject to planning approval from the ACMA.

Households will be able to apply for the subsidy during the switchover period in their region.

The subsidy is not available to households in Mildura/Sunraysia regions as the self help site in that area, which is located at Underbool, is being converted to digital by the broadcasters. Households in Underbool who rely on the signal from the self help site should continue to receive their television signal terrestrially and should not need to access the new satellite service.

The next switchover period commences in South Australia in July 2010. The subsidy is expected to become available to eligible South Australians households by August 2010.

Further information about eligibility criteria and how to apply will be available on this website from July 2010.

No. The subsidy for the satellite service is not retrospective. In order to receive the subsidy, householders will need to apply and have the application approved before purchasing and installing the satellite equipment.

The new high definition (HD) satellite service with all free-to-air services requires a compatible, new generation set top box.