Why is Australia moving to digital TV?

To keep up-to-date with technology

• It's important that Australia keeps pace with worldwide changes in technology
• Overseas programs are increasingly being recorded in the digital format only
• Australian TV shows need to be recorded in the digital format to be easily exported overseas

To free up broadcast space

• In Australia, TV is currently broadcast in both digital and analog signals
• Turning off the analog signals will free up space that could be used for other services for the community
• This is costly and inefficient

To improve your viewing experience

• Picture and sound quality on digital TV is better
• Pictures on digital TV can be seen in widescreen
• You'll still have the same free-to-air channels, plus some new ones, so you'll have more choice

Benefits of digital television:

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.
If you wish to continue to receive free-to-air shows, you will need a TV capable of receiving digital signals.