Media Release
Senator the Hon Stephen Conroy
Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy
Deputy Leader of the Government in the Senate
Mildura leads the way into digital TV future
The Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy, Senator Stephen Conroy, today confirmed that Mildura and the Sunraysia region will switch to digital-only television on 30 June 2010.
"Sunraysia is Australia’s leading digital television market and will be the first region to switch to digital-only broadcasts," Senator Conroy said.
"Already 79 per cent of households in the Mildura and Sunraysia area have converted and are enjoying the benefits of digital television, such as improved picture and sound quality, new content and new channels."
"Digital switchover is our biggest national format change since the swap to decimal currency and it will be an historic moment when Mildura switches to digital-only TV."
Senator Conroy has made determinations for switchover in Sunraysia on 30 June 2010, in Brisbane and Perth on 30 June 2013 and in Adelaide, Melbourne and Sydney on 31 December 2013. The determinations confirm the progressive regional switchover timetable announced in October 2008. Determinations for specific switchover dates in other regions will be made as switchover progresses.
Executive Director of the Government’s Digital Switchover Taskforce, Andy Townend, welcomed the Minister’s announcement at a launch in Mildura today.
"Most households in Mildura have already converted to digital television and we are working hard at a local level to ensure everyone has the information and assistance they require to get ready," Mr Townend said.
Mr Townend also announced the publication of the 3rd Digital Tracker Survey, a quarterly analysis of national digital television take-up, awareness and attitudes.
Key results of the survey include:
- Nationally, 56 per cent of households have made the switch to digital free-to-air television.
- Digital television viewers identified key positives of better quality picture (36 per cent), more channels and choice (28 per cent), and better reception (16 per cent).
"Australians continue to embrace the benefits of free-to-air digital television and these latest figures will provide the Digital Switchover Taskforce with invaluable insight into how to assist other people get ready for switchover," Mr Townend said.
The Rudd Government has made a commitment to complete national digital switchover by December 31, 2013.
More information about the digital switchover, including the 3rd Quarterly Digital Tracker Report, can be found online: www.digitalready.gov.au
Date: 20 November 2009
Contact: Tim Marshall 0408 258 457
