Published in the Helensburgh District Herald Feb 2011

Are you Digital Ready? It is no secret that television in Australia is changing from the old analogue signal used since 7:00pm on 16 September 1956 when Australia's first TV broadcast was made by TCN Channel 9 in Sydney. The new digital signal rolling out across Australia provides a better quality image, superior sound and the possibility of many more new channels. You may have noticed channels popping up like GEM, 7Two, OneHD and ABC3. Community television (TVS) has even moved to channel 44. So the question remains; Are You Digital Ready? To answer this question we need to examine what is required in your home or business to make you digital ready. A digital installation consists of an antenna, cabling, splitters, amplifiers, wall plates and fly leads leading to the digital reception equipment (e.g. TV, set-top box).   Problems with receiving digital services may occur in one or more parts of the antenna system. An initial assessment should be made of each part of the existing system to find out whether an upgrade is required. The level of upgrading necessary will vary depending on what equipment is used in the existing antenna system. This initial assessment is best performed by an antenna installer who specialises in digital installations and upgrades, but if you are a capable DIYer, then you may be able to access each individual part of your tv antenna system and determine what is required for yourself.   If you decide to take on the task yourself, why not take a photo of each part of the installation so it will make it easier for you to discuss your requirements with your chosen supplier I prefer Jaycar or JR Turks but any electrical or electronics supplier can help.   When purchasing new televisions or television equipment always make sure it is labelled with the new digital ready logo or ask the sales assistant if the product is digital ready.   When do you need to be ready?   Helensburgh like many regional areas receives television signals from two areas. For those who receive the Sydney channels the changeover is set for December 2013 and for those who receive the Wollongong / Illawarra regional signals the changeover is set for the first half of 2012 so we effectively have 12 months to changeover if you have not already.   Need more information?   www.thetechnologist.com.au or http://www.digitalready.gov.au/   www.helensburghdistrictherald.com.au