Industry News

The switch to digital TV represents a milestone for Australia and on 6 December 2011*, areas of regional Queensland will be switching off their analog TV signals.

More information about switch off in regional Queensland is available in the information sheet Regional Queensland: Its time to get ready for digital TV, located in the Info Centre.

*Switch off may occur earlier in some towns relying on a self-help transmission tower. Residents in these areas will be informed about the switchover dates.

Important information for Tin Can Bay, Rainbow Beach and Cooloola Cove residents

Following reports of reception difficulties in Cooloola Cove, Tin Can Bay and Rainbow Beach, the Digital Switchover Taskforce visited these areas in August to conduct signal strength and quality testing. The Taskforce found a number of issues that required further investigation by broadcasters.

Following a visit by an engineering team from Regional Broadcasting Australia and extensive field tests by broadcasters, adjustments were made to the WIN service on 2 September 2011.

A subsequent intermittent transmitter fault was then identified. This fault has now been rectified by broadcasters and the transmitter manufacturer.

Digital services at Tin Can Bay, Cooloola Cove and Rainbow Beach are now operating as planned. Residents whose antennas are correctly set up for their local digital services should no longer experience reception difficulties..

If you are receiving assistance under the Household Assistance Scheme and you are experiencing problems with your digital TV reception, please contact the service provider, TechLife, on 1800 44 37 16.

Queensland switchover timetable

Wide Bay Hervey Bay, Bundaberg and Maryborough 6 December 2011 Darling Downs Toowoomba, Warwick and Dalby 6 December 2011 Brisbane Brisbane, Gold Coast and Noosa 30 June 2013

Capricornia Rockhampton, Emerald and Yeppoon 6 December 2011 North Queensland Townsville, Ayr and Charters Towers 6 December 2011

Queensland Central Coast & Whitsundays Mackay, Proserpine and Bowen 6 December 2011 Far North Queensland Cairns, Port Douglas and Innisfail 6 December 2011

*Please note: switch off may occur earlier in some towns relying on a self-help transmission tower. Residents in these areas will be informed about switchover dates. See the Early switchover towns section for more information.

Household Assistance Scheme

There is a Household Assistance Scheme available to people who receive the maximum rate of the Age Pension, Disability Support Pension, Carer Payment, Department of Veterans' Affairs Service Pension or Income Support Supplement and do not have access to digital TV.

If you're eligible for the scheme, you will receive free-of-charge:

• one high definition set-top box per household
• installation and demonstration of your new equipment by a technician
• any necessary upgrades to cabling, antenna or satellite systems (depending on whether you own your own home)
• 12 month of support and service

Eligible households in the area have been contacted by Centrelink.

Residents who are eligible for the Household Assistance Scheme should call 1800 556 443 to organise an installation of a digital set-top box.

(Source: digitalready.gov.au)