Digital TV Transition Facts
Australia is currently going through a process of turning off analog TV broadcasts and replacing them with a digital signal. This transition is happening progressively through the country with the analog signal being slowly turned off as the digital signal is introduced. In some areas the free to air channels are broadcast in both analog and digital however the analog signal will be switched off progressively resulting in all areas having only a digital television signal.
The digital service that is available in Australia is called Freeview and this service consists of all of the free to air broadcasters such as ABC, SBS, Seven, Nine and Ten. In addition to these services Freeview also offers access to the addition digital channels including 7Two, SBS Two, Go, One, Gem and 7Mate. Currently these extra channels mostly provide similar programming to their parent channel however as the digital content increases these channels will feature unique and new programming.
The transition to digital TV will greatly improve the picture and sound quality of the content that you watch. The digital format caters for the needs of widescreen pictures which you often get with movies and also takes advantage of the digital sound for movies as well as radio broadcasts.
The government in Australia has followed many countries overseas who have decided to make the change to digital broadcasts. The current analog system which is gradually being phased out is a costly process which is also inefficient and uses much of the available broadcast space available. The change to Digital broadcasts will free up the broadcast spectrum and make room for other services such as emergency services to use this system. Digital TV transition is also important to Australia as it needs to keep pace with the advances of telecommunications around the world.
Consumers have a choice of two options when it comes to being ready for the digital TV transition. For those people who have a standard analog TV the purchase of a digital set top box is a great option for converting your television to receive the digital signal. The other option is to purchase a digital ready television which will come standard with everything you need to access and watch digital television.
Many households that are switching over to digital television do not need to change their existing antennas to receive the digital broadcasts. People that do need an upgrade generally require this as the existing antenna may be quite old and not in very good condition.