The Australian Government has announced that all free-to-air television broadcasters in Australia will complete the switch from analog transmission to digital-only transmission by the end of 2013. The timetable for the digital switchover was announced on 19 October 2008 by Senator Stephen Conroy and shows when the switchover will occur region by region across the country.
Digital television will provide the benefits of improved picture and sound quality and greater program choice.
For viewers, this will require a number of changes to the way in which television broadcasts are received including obtaining new equipment to receive the digital signals.
For retailers, this will require understanding the changes to the technology to better advise customers on the available options.
The Department of Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy is working closely with the broadcasting industry, the retail sector and other parties to ensure the smooth transition to digital-only televisions broadcasts and that viewers enjoy the associated benefits.
Visit the
Get Ready for Digital TV website for the latest information about the digital switchover and when your region is scheduled to begin the switchover process.
The Digital Switchover Taskforce within the Department is responsible for coordinating and overseeing Australia's transition to digital from analog television.
Its objectives are to:
The reports of each survey will be released quarterly.
The reports are to be tabled in Parliament every quarter from 1 April 2009.