The right advice to get ready for digital TV
As the full switchover to digital television in Mildura draws closer, a new scheme is set to help households get ready.
The digital switchover retailer scheme will train electronics retailers to provide the right advice to people making the switch to digital TV.
The scheme was launched by the Executive Director of the Government’s Digital Switchover Taskforce, Andy Townend, in Mildura today.
"For the vast majority of people, switching to digital television will be a relatively straightforward exercise," Mr Townend said.
"We know people will have a range of questions about how to get ready and in a lot of cases, electronics retailers are in the best and most reliable position to answer."
"It is therefore important that retail staff employed by retailers who participate in the Government’s Quality Assurance Scheme become ‘digital advisers."
"Advisers will be assessed every 12 months so that the Taskforce can be assured that the information is up-to-date. The Taskforce will contact these advisers and their stores directly to pass on the latest information about their switchover area," Mr Townend said.
Digital Advisers will wear an identification badge which includes the digital switchover logo, the adviser’s name, expiry date of the training. Participating stores will be listed on the www.digitalready.gov.au web site.
Mr Townend also launched the Antenna Installer Endorsement Scheme to provide further confidence for households in the Mildura/Sunraysia region switching to digital TV.
Under the Scheme, experienced antenna installers register online to have their skills assessed against industry agreed minimum standards.
"Consumers in Mildura can be confident that an endorsed installer has the necessary knowledge to provide them with a digital TV antenna solution," Mr Townend said.
"The switch to digital TV in the Mildura/Sunraysia region is a historic moment in Australian television history and will ensure more people enjoy better picture quality and sound, new content and new channels."
14 October 2009
Contact: John Noble 0402 323 143
