Satellites
If you're unable to receive digital TV from a television transmission tower, you may be able to do so by satellite. The Australian Government is funding a service known as Viewer Access Satellite Television (VAST). VAST provides at least 17 digital TV services.
See
Viewer Access Satellite Television for more information on VAST.
Do I need VAST?
I use the Aurora satellite TV service
The television services on the Aurora satellite will finish in 2013. If you are an Aurora customer in Eastern Australia (NT, QLD, NSW, ACT, VIC, SA, TAS), you're automatically entitled to go to VAST. If you are an Aurora customer in WA, television services will finish in June 2013. If you do not receive adequate reception from a television transmission tower, you may be entitled to access VAST. You will be able to use your old satellite dish provided it has a wideband low noise block down converter (LNB).
I watch TV from a self-help tower
If you are watching TV from a self-help transmission tower that’s not being converted to digital, you can access VAST through the Satellite Subsidy Scheme.
I currently have poor TV reception
If you have marginal television reception, or no television services at all, you may need to access VAST.
Before you buy any equipment:
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make sure you’re eligible for VAST by checking your address through mySwitch
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or call the Digital Ready Information Line on 1800 20 10 13.
How do I get VAST?
I already have a satellite dish
Most existing TV satellite dishes will pick up the new VAST signal. If you’re eligible for VAST, the only additional piece of equipment you need is a new VAST certified set-top box, manufactured by Altech UEC. In February 2013, Altech UEC launched a new set-top box, which allows you to watch a show whilst recording two others. Altech UEC’s VAST certified set-top boxes are available from retailers and installers, or direct from them. We recommend you check your eligibility for VAST before purchasing any equipment.
Once you have your equipment, you’ll need to register your new VAST set-top box before you receive all your services. To fully register, you’ll be asked for:
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the VAST set-top box decoder or model number
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the serial number
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and the smartcard number, on the card inside the set-top box.
To register your VAST set-top box, use
mySwitch.
I don’t have a satellite dish
If you’re eligible for VAST, but don’t have a satellite dish, you'll need to contact an endorsed Antenna Installer. They will install and set-up your VAST set-top box and satellite dish and provide you with instructions on how to use it.
Once your equipment is installed, you’ll need to register your new VAST set-top box before you receive all your services. To fully register, you’ll be asked for:
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the VAST set-top box decoder or model number
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the serial number
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and the smartcard number, on the card inside the set-top box.
To register your VAST set-top box, use mySwitch.
Am I eligible for government assistance?
The Satellite Subsidy Scheme (SSS) provides assistance to eligible households to switch to VAST. A typical installation will cost between $500-$1000. However if you're eligible for the subsidy, you'll only pay between $200-$250 for the installation depending on your location. See
Satellite Subsidy Scheme for more information. In addition, you might be able to receive help through the
Household Assistance Scheme (HAS).