Between 2010 and 2013, analogue free-to-air TV signals are being replaced with digital signals. This new form of TV is better in terms of both viewing quality and choice. However, in order to keep receiving free-to-air TV after the digital switchover takes place in your area, you will need a television that is capable of receiving digital signals.

It is important that you know and understand your options as the range of products available in this new market can be overwhelming, ranging significantly in price and services. Think carefully and understand what you need before you buy.

Digital TV product options

You have two options to choose from when converting to digital TV:

buy a digital set-top box for your existing television
upgrade to a television with an inbuilt digital tuner.

There are important product differences in terms of quality and type of service. The Australian Government has created a labelling system to make your choice easier by identifying which products can receive analogue, standard or high definition signals. Analogue TVs will need to be converted with a set-top box to receive digital. Standard definition products give you access to the same channels you already receive in analogue, but in digital form. High definition products receive several extra free-to-air channels that you cannot receive on analogue or standard definition TV.

For more information on digital TV products and the labelling system, talk to a government-trained digital advisor—contact the Digital Switchover Taskforce to find your local advisor.

Digital TV shopping tips

Before you buy, make sure that you:

understand the product—if you are unsure, talk to a digital advisor
shop around—you can purchase digital set-top boxes from supermarkets, electronic shops, general retailers and department stores
know your options—do you need a new TV or are you happy to just convert your current set?

Government Household Assistance Scheme

The government is providing assistance to some people including the elderly, people with disabilities and their carers. Eligible households will receive a letter from Centrelink about the program before the switchover takes place in their area. This scheme is free of charge. For more information, contact the Digital Switchover Taskforce.

Beware of scammers

Consumers also need to be wary of unscrupulous people taking advantage of this new market. Scammers selling digital conversion equipment are targeting communities with the promise of a government reimbursement for any goods purchased. The government has advised that there are no reimbursements for digital television goods or services bought from any retailers.

To find out more about recent scam activity in this area or to report a scam, visit the ACCC's SCAMwatch website.

If you think you've been misled about digital TV products or services

The ACCC enforces the Competition and Consumer Act 2010, which prohibits misleading or deceptive conduct. If you think you've been misled about a digital TV service or product in advertising or elsewhere, contact the ACCC Infocentre on 1300 302 502.

For more information on the digital switchover

To find out more about the switchover to digital TV, including whether it is available in your area, when analogue will no longer be available to your area, where to find your local digital advisor, whether you are eligible for the Government Household Assistance Scheme, or to report scam activity, contact the government’s Digital Switchover Taskforce by calling 1800 20 10 13 or visiting the www.digitalready.gov.au website.