Today is a landmark day in Australia with the first switch off of analogue TV broadcast. When the digital TV transition was first announced, the Federal Government created a website http://www.digitalready.gov.au to explain the transition and provide information on upcoming transition areas.
On 30 June 2010, Mildura Sunraysia became the first region in the country to switch to digital TV. If you live in the region and have not yet made the switch then don’t worry, it’s not too late.
The wireless spectrum that Analogue TV runs on is incredibly valuable and has attracted very strong interest from mobile network providers. Some of its biggest benefits is that it can transmit large distances with good penetration through most types of walls. This means fewer mobile towers would be required to deliver next generation 4G networks and at a lower cost than existing 3G networks.
I don’t need to point out the benefits of Digital over Analogue because your all watching digital TVs already.. aren’t you ? If you’ve purchased a TV in the past 3-4 years chances are your already set. If your parents or grandparents are super nostalgic and refuse to release their death grip on that old tube TV, get them a sub-$100 set-top-box. If you need additional help, email switchover@dbcde.gov.au.
So while Mildura has lead the way in the digital transition, by the end of 2013 analogue TV will be shut off 2013. At this point your likely wondering which region is next ? In what seems like the ultimate game of throwing darts at a wall, it turns out Regional SA and Broken hill area are next in line on December 15, 2010.
For a full timetable of switchover dates (or to check your area), check out this Digital TV transition timetable.
