Information
About the change to digital TV
Broadcasters are currently transmitting analog, standard and high definition digital FTA TV. The timetable for the digital switchover shows when the switchover will occur region by region across the country.
The FTA digital TV transmissions are currently broadcast in the same frequency bands as analog TV, but on different channels. Digital transmissions do not occur below Channel 6 and there is no plan to utilise these channels for digital TV.
Advantages of digital TV
Metropolitan broadcasting services began transmitting in the digital mode from 1 January 2001 while regional broadcasting services were required to commence broadcasting in the digital mode between 1 January 2001 and 31 December 2003. These services consist of analog services, a simulcast in standard definition digital of the analog services and high definition digital services. Commercial remote area licensed broadcasters have yet to commence
transmission in the digital mode and are in discussions with the Department and the Australian Communications and Media Authority on an appropriate start date. Digital TV will provide the benefits of improved picture and sound quality and greater program choice. Each broadcaster’s digital TV signal allows viewers access to a range of other features which may include:
- additional channels
- high definition channels
- widescreen pictures not available via analog
- ghost free reception
- surround sound
- electronic program guides (EPG)
- datacasting services
- closed captioning
- interactive services, and
- over the air upgrades for receiver operating software.
These services will be expanded over time.
