What’s The Solution?
Where will your programs come from?
What difference will this make to you?
Broadcast Australia is actively working with Government and Broadcasters to assist with the Digital Switch Over (DSO). A necessary pre-requisite to DSO is the provision of coverage solutions to areas not adequately served by digital television services. Utilising Broadcast Australia's extensive systems experience, industry knowledge and understanding of digital coverage, we are providing advice to the industry as to the practicalities of the various options under consideration.
The Digital Switchover (when existing analog TV is turned off) started in Australia on 30 June 2010 and will continue on a region by region basis until December 2013. Up to 10% of Australia's population, who currently receive analog free-to-air TV terrestrially (from a broadcast transmission tower), are now at the centre of high level discussions as to whether they will receive digital TV terrestrially or via satellite. The Federal Government has endorsed a satellite solution for viewers who are not in an area that has a nearby terrestrial transmission facility. Information for local areas looking to convert their Self Help facility can be found here.
Why are we changing to Digital TV?
This is fully explained on the Government's digital ready web-site, at www.digitalready.gov.au/panel_why.aspx
What solutions are available?
As Australia transitions into digital TV, there are two options for its delivery – terrestrially and by satellite. At present most analog services across the country are delivered by numerous transmission towers. Comparisons of the two solutions can be found in the 'what are the options?' section of this site. For communities who require assistance in transitioning, Broadcast Australia has Information for Self Help Providers.
Why do we need a solution?
Moving Australian TV content from analog to digital transmission is a very big task. An important factor in this transition is to ensure that all Australians receive the highest quality and most cost effective solution during this process. While most people simply think that buying a digital ready TV, or digital set top box will allow them be digital ready, unfortunately for up to 10% of the Australian population, this may not be the case.
What does this mean to me?
If you live in a regional or remote part of Australia, or are currently in an area with a council run self help facility, TV broadcasters will shortly decide whether they will fund the upgrade of your current transmission facility. You will be advised on what equipment you will need to be ready for digital TV, either via terrestrial transmission or satellite. Comparisons of the two solutions can be found in the 'what are the options?' section of this site.
What is the Digital Dividend?
Glossary
- Self-Help areas
- These are areas where the Federal Government has generally funded the intial capital costs for the terrestrial transmission facility and local council or other local bodies pay for the ongoing costs for the terrestrial transmission facility. These are not broadcaster provided services.
- Rain fade
- Satellite systems are susceptible to signal loss during showers and storms because the satellite signal is absorbed by the water.
- Terrestrial TV
- These are television signals transmitted from towers and masts in the local area.
- Spectrum
- Spectrum is the common term for radio frequency bands.
- Channel plan
- This is the assignment of television services to particular radio frequency channels.
- Channel restack
- This is necessary to clear the proposed digital dividend spectrum and reassign existing digital television services
- STB
- Set-top box