Make the digital switch now, warns Minister
May 28th, 2012
The Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy, Senator Stephen Conroy has again reminded those in northern New South Wales to get ready for the switch to digital TV due at the end of November.
“If you wait until the last minute, you may be left without TV on the switchover date,” said Conroy in a statement.
On 27 November this year over half a million homes in the northern part of the state will move to digital only television, which will require either a newer model TV or a set-top box.
“Digital television offers more choice with 16 free-to-air channels, DVD-quality picture and CD quality sound. More than eight out of ten households in the northern NSW switchover region have already converted to digital TV.
“People who haven’t switched to digital have six months to get digital ready before for their analog TV signals are switched off for good.”
What about the rest of Australia? When does analog get the biff?
In the following months broadcasters will be upgrading analog ‘self help’ transmitters to digital in some areas and installing new transmitters in others.
“The Household Assistance Scheme (HAS) is now open and the Department of Human Services is writing to eligible people across the region inviting them to apply. If you’re eligible, the time to apply is now. That way your installation can be completed before the switch to digital-only TV and you can start enjoying the benefits of digital TV sooner,” Conroy said.
HAS helps those on the Age Pension, Disability Support Pension or Carer Payment, the Department of Veterans’ Affairs Service Pension, and Income Support Supplement make the digital switch.
