Reception difficulties - Television
Reception difficulties are often the result of a weak signal from a transmitter that is too distant to deliver an adequate or reliable service. In some cases, a qualified installer can advise on ways of improving reception even in areas of marginal coverage.
Signal availability in the area
Viewers should check whether digital television signals are available in their area and whether coverage from the transmitter site is adequate. If a television service is not receivable in a particular area, first contact the relevant broadcaster who can confirm whether a television service is available in the area. Contact details for commercial broadcasters can be obtained from the 
Free TV Australia website.
Obstructions to signals
There are a number of factors that might lead to poor reception of digital television services. These may include the following:
- weather conditions, which can cause digital reception to break up—or ‘pixelate’
- signal obstructions, such as the immediate local terrain, foliage, buildings and trees
- an inadequate or excessive signal, or
- ‘impulse noise’ interference which may be generated by the use of household items such as domestic appliances, light switches or hair dryers.
Receiving equipment
Antenna installation
If you experience difficulties with your television reception, it is important to use a technician who:
- is qualified in analog and digital television reception, and
- is able to measure television signal levels at residences.
A qualified antenna technician should be able to measure analog and digital television signal levels at residences and recommend ways to optimise and improve television reception. The technician should also be able to offer advice about:
- antenna selection
- positioning
- orientation, and
- choice of correct cables, connectors and distribution equipment.
Once measurements have been taken, the installer should be able to advise you:
- on which reception source is provides the optimum signal
- the best antenna location, and
- ensure the correct antenna type is used to receive the digital signals available in your area.
A list of Government Endorsed Antenna Installers is available on the Digital Ready website.
The Digital Switchover Taskforce has published two handbooks on Digital TV Antenna Systems. These are available for download on the Digital Ready website.
Re-scan set-top box
A first step for trying to improve digital television reception is to re-scan your tuner or set-top box. It may be necessary to re-scan more than once to tune in to all available services in the area.
New satellite service for people with inadequate terrestrial reception
Viewers who are unable to receive adequate digital television services from existing terrestrial transmitters serving the area will be able to receive their television services from the new Government funded Viewer Access Satellite Television (VAST) service.
The new satellite service will feature channels carrying programs from the Seven, Nine and Ten networks and the main national broadcaster services ABC1 and SBS ONE, together with digital channels ABC2, ABC3, ABCHD, SBS TWO, ONE HD, GO! and 7TWO. All ABC services will be provided on a state basis.
The satellite service will also provide viewers in regional Australia with access to the local news services currently broadcast by the commercial broadcasters in their relevant terrestrial licence areas. These services will be provided through a dedicated news channel. In addition, the news services of the national broadcasters, the ABC and the SBS, will also be provided. A new ABC 24 hour news channel is expected to replace the current ABCHD service later this year.
To access the VAST service, households will need to install satellite reception equipment, including a dish and a digital set-top box. The costs of installation will vary depending on the location, the size of the satellite receiving dish required and characteristics of the viewer’s home.
The Government is currently in consultation with broadcasters about arrangements to implement the new satellite service. Further information about accessing the new service will be made available when arrangements are finalised and will be published on the Digital Ready website.
Details about access to the service are also available at the satellite broadcasters' website.
Get Ready for Digital TV website for the latest information and frequently asked questions about the digital switchover and when your region is scheduled to begin the switchover process.
Further information on television reception
ABC TV reception information is on the ABC website.
SBS transmission information is on the SBS website.
Information can also be found in the Community television section.
The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has published information about digital television reception that can be downloaded from the ACMA website.
