Media Release
Senator the Hon Stephen Conroy
Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy
Deputy Leader of the Government in the Senate
Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Digital Productivity
TV suppliers and retailers sign-up for digital switchover
Major television suppliers and retailers have thrown their weight behind Australia's 'Get Ready for Digital TV' campaign.
"The support of major television brands and retailers to carry the Government's 'Get Ready for Digital TV' labels will help people to understand how simple the switch to digital TV can be," the Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy, Senator Stephen Conroy, said.
"This is a large-scale national format change and I welcome the support of leading television suppliers and retailers to label their products as digital-ready.
"Australians should look out for products carrying 'Get Ready for Digital TV' labels when considering digital switchover choices."
Major labels now carrying the 'Get Ready for Digital TV' labels include Sony, LG, Toshiba, Sharp, Palsonic, Bush, Grundig, DGTEC, Strong, TiVo, Draco, Soniq, Sanyo, Beyonwiz, Digitel +, Homecast, Healing, Wintal, TEAC and Digital View. Some of Australia's major retailers including Radio Rentals, Clive Peeters and Warehouse Sales and many members of the National Associated Retail Traders of Australia are also supporting the labelling scheme.
"Digital television means better picture and sound quality and the ability to access new channels and content such as the upcoming ABC children's digital television channel," Senator Conroy said.
"The Government is motivated to ensure that people can make informed decisions when purchasing digital television equipment. People need to know what equipment is digital-ready and that making the switch can be as simple as adding a set-top-box to an existing television."
'Get Ready for Digital TV' labels were developed in consultation with industry and will be distributed to retail outlets across Australia over the coming weeks.
"I welcome the continuing support of television suppliers and retailers for the 'Get Ready for Digital TV' campaign and look forward to further cooperation with the industry," Digital Switchover Taskforce Executive Director, Andy Townend said.
For more information and facts on digital switchover, visit www.digitalready.gov.au
Date: 8 May 2009
Contact: Tim Marshall (Minister's Office) 0408 258 457
John Noble (Digital Switchover Taskforce) 0402 323 143
