Media Release

Only six months left before Adelaide switches to Digital TV

The Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy, Senator Stephen Conroy, today announced that it is only six months before people across Adelaide switchover to digital television.

"We don't want anyone to get left behind. With only six months left until analog TV signals are permanently switched off in Adelaide, it is time to make sure that you, your family, and friends are Digital Ready now," Senator Conroy said.

"If you are not digital ready by 2 April 2013, you will no longer have access to free-to-air TV and will miss out on all your favourite TV shows," Senator Conroy said.

"You don't need to wait until the last minute to convert to digital TV. Converting now will give you access to all 16 digital television channels, providing more choice and quality in your television viewing experience."

"Once complete, the Adelaide switchover will mean that almost 3 million households across 7 switchover regions in Australia will have made the switch to digital-only TV. All remaining regions will make the historic transition by the end of 2013.

"The switch to digital TV is probably the most complex technology change to free to air TV since the introduction of colour TV in the 1970s, but making the switch is simple. Don't get left behind. Get Digital Ready today."

Around 85 per cent of the 565,752 households situated in the greater Adelaide metropolitan area have already converted to digital TV.

Practical assistance is available to help people get ready for digital-only free to air TV.

The Household Assistance Scheme (HAS) and the Satellite Subsidy Scheme (SSS) both allow eligible people across the switchover region to have digital ready equipment installed in their homes. The Household Assistance Scheme also provides in-home aftercare support for 12 months.

To find out more about digital switchover, including how to access local help and information about assistance schemes, visit the Digital Ready website at www.digitalready.gov.au or call the Digital Ready Information Line on 1800 20 10 13.

Date: 2 October 2012
Contact: Digital Switchover Taskforce - switchover.media@dbcde.gov.au
Adam Sims (Senator Conroy's Office) - 0408 258 457

Notes to editors: A range of audio files, images and footage are available from the Digital Switchover Taskforce. Contact us at: switchover.media@dbcde.gov.au

Household Assistance Scheme

• There are more than 140,000 households potentially eligible for the Household Assistance Scheme in the Adelaide metropolitan switchover area.
• People who may be eligible have been sent a letter from the Department of Human Services inviting them to test their eligibility. To find out if you are eligible and to apply, you should call the Department of Human Services on 1800 55 64 43.
• Although the Scheme is open until one month after switchover, it is important to apply as soon as possible so that an installation can be completed before the switchover and you do not lose access to free-to-air television.
• People in the Adelaide metropolitan switchover area are strongly encouraged to apply before 9 November 2012. You will be able to enjoy the benefits of digital television as soon as your installation is complete.

Satellite Subsidy Scheme

• There are approximately 500 households in areas of the Adelaide metropolitan area eligible to receive the Satellite Subsidy Scheme.
• Truro
• Cudlee Creek
• Golden Grove
• Households in eligible areas will receive a letter from the Digital Switchover Taskforce inviting them to apply for the SSS. To apply or to find out if you are eligible visit the Digital Ready website www.digitalready.gov.au or call the Digital Ready Information Line, 1800 20 10 13
• Although the Scheme is open until one month after switchover, it is important to apply as soon as possible so that an installation can be completed before the switchover and you do not lose access to free-to-air television.
• People in these eligible areas are encouraged to apply before 30 November 2012. You will be able to enjoy the benefits of digital television as soon as your installation is complete.

Disposing of old TV equipment

• To find out about what you can do with unwanted televisions and computers visit: www.environment.gov.au/ewaste