AFTER years of putting up with dodgy digital television reception, the residents of Eastgrove will finally be ahead of the eight ball today, when they become the first citizens in Southern NSW to have their analogue signal switched off and converted to digital.
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For years, Eastgrove has been in a signal shadow, unable to pick up reliable reception from Mount Gray or the defunct Eastgrove transmitter.
However, the installation of a new transmitter, located at the Pony Club, will sort out their woes. This morning the area’s analogue transmitter will be switched off and this afternoon the new digital transmitter will be turned on.
Residents are advised that they will experience disrupted services throughout the day however Digital TV services should be available by the afternoon, when households will need to tune their set-top box, digital recorder or digital television to receive the new digital channels.
“For most people making the switch to digital TV is straightforward and inexpensive,” Digital Switchover Taskforce head Nerida O’Loughlin said.
“Households can choose to either connect a set-top box or digital recorder to an existing analogue TV or use a digital TV, which has an inbuilt digital tuner.”
Eastgrove residents currently receiving digital TV services from the Mt Gray transmitter where the reception is satisfactory do not need to do anything.
However, those receiving unsatisfactory digital TV services from the Mt Gray transmitter may wish to have their antennas re-pointed to the Eastgrove transmitter to improve reception.
“For households in Eastgrove that require practical assistance to make the switch, such as the elderly, people with disabilities and their carers, the Household Assistance Scheme is also available,” Ms O’Loughlin said.
The Household Assistance Scheme is available to residents in early switchover towns. Centrelink has written to eligible people in Eastgrove inviting them to apply.
If you received a letter and brochure or if you think you could be eligible, call Centrelink on 1800 55 64 43 before analog TV is switched off. Eligible people will receive an installation of a high definition set-top box, a demonstration on how to use the equipment and where necessary, antenna and cable upgrades if the resident owns their house.
Once residents have registered for the Scheme an Australian Governmentengaged technician will call to arrange an appointment.
The installation will occur either on the day digital signals are available, or within 48 hours of the switchover. This is so the technician can tune in the new digital channels. Eastgrove will receive the upgrades six months ahead of the rest of the region.
Goulburn’s Mt Gray transmitter currently broadcasts in both analogue and digital. On June 5, 2012, the analogue signals will be switched off as a part of the Digital Switchover for Southern and Central NSW, ACT and the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area.
The Digital Ready Information Line 1800 20 10 13 and Digital Ready website www.digitalready.gov.au are a good first point of call for anyone with questions.
