Switchover to digital TV

Download our factsheet on the switchover to digital TV. This factsheet possible with assistance from the ACT Government under Disability ACT.

What is digital TV?

The word 'digital' refers to the way in which TV signals are sent and received by TVs in homes around Australia. Currently, Australian TV is broadcast using both digital and analog signals, but the analog signals will be phased out starting 2010 and will no longer be in use anywhere in Australia by 2013. The main benefit of digital TV is that you will enjoy a much better picture and sound quality. You will also be able to receive more TV channels.

Why is the Government switching off the analog signals?

Currently, analog and digital broadcasts are transmitted side by side. This process is costly and inefficient and uses most of the space that's available for television broadcasts.
Turning off analog signals will free up a considerable amount of the spectrum so that it can be used for additional services.

How do I change over to Digital TV?

To keep receiving free-to air TV after the digital switchover in your area, you'll need a television that is capable of receiving digital signals. You can either:

• Convert your existing analog TV using a digital set top box
• Upgrade to a television with an in-built digital tuner

Most importantly, you do not have to buy a new TV if you don't want to, because virtually all current analog TVs will be able to receive digital TV by adding a digital set top
box.

What happens if I do nothing?

If you choose to do nothing and you still have an older analog TV, you will lose access to free to air TV channels when the switchover is complete in your area. That's why it's important that you plan ahead and, if necessary, budget for the change to digital.

How do I enable captions on my digital TV?

Just look for the button on the remote control of your TV or set top box called SUBTITLE or CAPTIONS or TEXT and follow the prompts.

What if captions are NOT working on my digital TV/set-top box?

1. Try switching your TV and/or set-top box off at the wall, then turn it on again.

2. You may need a new antenna.

People with hearing loss rely on TV captions

People who are Deaf or have hearing loss rely on captions on television so that they can enjoy news, current events and other programs. The captions enable them to fully access
these programs.

Television captions are required by law

Australian free to air television broadcasters are required to caption all English language news and current affairs programs, as well as all programs broadcast during prime time (6.00pm to 10.30pm) on free to air networks’ main channels. Free to air broadcasters are also required to caption 75% of 6am to midnight programming on primary channels, with that target increasing to 85% in 2011.

Currently, digital multi-channels such as ABC2, Go! and 7Two are exempt from the captioning requirements that the primary channels have to meet under the Broadcast Services Act. The digital multi-channels must show captions on programs that are showing concurrently or have previously screened on the primary channels with captions. This exemption from captioning levels for the digital multi-channels applies until digital switchover is complete (2013).

Many subscription TV channels also show captioned program content.

Caption decoding and display is a requirement for compliance with the Australian Standard for digital television receivers (AS 4933).

What is the difference between captions and subtitles?

Captions differ from foreign language subtitles in that they are coloured and positioned to indicate who is speaking, and provide information on music and sound effects which may be crucial to the understanding of the program. Subtitles are simply a translation of a foreign language into English which appears on the bottom of the screen.

How do I know the right TV to buy?

If you are buying a new TV or set top box, the Australian Government has developed labels to help you choose the option that is right for you. Look out for these labels at your local electronics retailer.

This label indicates that the TV is an analog TV and is capable of receiving digital free-to-air shows only when you attach it to a set top box. The set top box you choose will come in either standard definition or high definition format.

This label indicates that the TV or set top box can receive Standard Definition digital free-to-air shows. With Standard Definition, you will receive the same free-to-air shows you currently receive on analog TV. Digital TV is currently available in most areas, but your local broadcaster can confirm exactly what is currently available in your area.

This label indicates that the TV or set top box can receive High Definition digital TV. With High Definition broadcasts, you are able to receive the full range of channels, including those that are unavailable in Standard Definition. Digital TV is currently available in most areas, but your local broadcaster can confirm exactly what is currently available in your area.

Get more information at these websites

Australian Government information about TV captions http://www.dbcde.gov.au/television/digital_televison_switchover/faqs/

Australian Government Digital Switchover Taskforce http://www.digitalready.gov.au/

Media Access Australia http://www.mediaaccess.org.au

Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) http://www.acma.gov.au/WEB/STANDARD/pc=PC_91870

Choice review of set top boxes http://www.choice.com.au/Reviews-and-Tests/Technology.aspx

Freeview http://freeview.com.au/faq/