Digital TV
By 31 December 2013 all of Australia will have switched to digital TV. The programs on TV will not change that much, but digital TV offers previously unavailable features.
What’s different with digital TV?
There are a number of benefits to having digital TV:
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it provides higher quality sound and picture than analog
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issues with reception like static and ghosting don’t occur with digital TV
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it has an electronic program guide (EPG). An EPG is an interactive schedule of current and upcoming programs that you can display on-screen
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the digital signal takes up less broadcasting room, meaning there is room for more channels, including local channels
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with digital TV and certain equipment you can pre-record single shows or entire series.
What’s the government doing?
In December 2007 the government announced its plans for a nationwide switchover to digital television by the end of 2013. The switchover has included broadcasters, retailers, manufacturers, antenna technicians, government and the public.
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The government has invested $37.9 million in the digital switchover strategy. The strategy includes:
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$8.5 million for the Australian Communications and Media Authority to perform technical projects, such as an evaluation of digital TV transmission and reception throughout Australia
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$4.8 million for a ‘Digital Tracker' to assess issues such as public awareness of digital switchover, intention of households to convert and actual conversion rates
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$1 million for researching digital reception problems in dwellings with a shared TV antenna system
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$6.7 million for a labeling scheme to clearly indicate which products are digitally ready, ensuring Australian consumers can be informed and confident about what products will suit their needs
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$16.9 million for the Digital Switchover Taskforce, who coordinate the switchover program within the Department of Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy.
Digital Switchover Taskforce
The Digital Switchover Taskforce within the Department of Broadband Communications and the Digital Economy is responsible for coordinating and overseeing Australia's transition to digital from analog television. Their objectives are to:
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advise government on policy settings, implementation and issues connected with digital switchover
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develop and implement a program framework, including a switchover timetable
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manage information and education programs explaining the switchover process to all Australians
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convene meetings and coordinate activities of an Industry Advisory Group.
What’s happening around the world?
Over 35 countries, including the United States, United Kingdom and Canada, have already made the switch to digital. Over 30 countries, including Brazil, New Zealand and India, are in the process of switching.
As more countries switch to digital, TV programs are increasingly being produced only in digital. Switching to digital will ensure Australians can view all video formats.