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Digital switchover

Digital TV in Australia is part of our country’s history. It’s the story of changing technology, policies, culture and society - from Bruce Gyngell welcoming us to the new medium, to today’s advanced digital network. Experience the story of digital TV in Australia through our visual timeline.


January 2013
17 Digital Channels
Digital TV is broadcasting 17 channels (now including NITV), 12 more than on the analog service
December 2012
NITV is added to the SBS suite of services
2012
A 92 inch tv is released and is the world's largest TV at the time
September 2012
Local programs are broadcast with audio descriptions for the blind and vision impaired
Television accounts for 96% of national viewing
Australia watches 42 million hours of TV every day
On average a HD TV has 2 million pixels
Australia's digital satellite TV service, VAST, supplies free-to-air channels to everyone
December 2007 - The government begins the digital journey
It is expected to be complete in December 2013
National indigenous TV (NITV) is launched
Community television is introduced to major cities
1993 - Subscription TV becomes available in Australia
1986 - A new domestic satellite service called AUSSAT is introduced
1980 - The second government channel is introduced, the Special Broadcasting Service.
Australia switches to colour TV
1957 A TV costs six to ten weeks average pay
In 1956 between 1 and 5% of people own a TV. By 1980, this will have grown to 80% of people.
1956 Australia begins broadcasting television.
1925 John Logie Baird invents the first television

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