Analog signal switched off across South East Queensland

THE Gympie region begins a new era today, when the analog television signal is switched off between here and the Gold Coast.

Analog TVs without digital set-top boxes will no longer have a signal to pick up.

By the end of this year, every city and region in Australia will be replaced with digital only television.

Duke St television and set-top box retailer Glen Shepherd, of Betta Home Living, said yesterday most households were prepared for the switch.

"It's been coming for so long, the thing's been fairly well catered for," Mr Shepherd said.

"It's been getting a good push."

Mr Shepherd said sales at his business had been up in small digital TVs and set-top boxes but not large TVs.

"A lot of people are replacing their spare TVs," he said.

For example, the back room TV, kids' TV and rumpus room TV.

"Anyone who has bought a TV in the last five years is all set.

"Big TVs have been pretty consistent.

"There was a big rush when they first started talking about it.

"I think there's going to be a lot of people who go to turn the set on and go 'What's wrong?'. That's when we'll get a full picture of how it's been handled."

The switchover will culminate on New Year's Day 2014, when Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide will finally join the rest of Australia in the digital-only era.

Digital set-top boxes can be bought for not much more than a Gympie parking fine, so making the switch does not necessarily have to be expensive.

The Federal Government offers assistance in the form of an HD set-top box, some guidance and a warranty, as well as antenna installation or modification but it is only available to those receiving the age pension, disability-support pension, carer payment, Department of Veterans' Affairs support pension or DVA income-support supplement.

For more information, check out the Government's info on the Household Assistance Scheme or visit http://www.digitalready.gov.au.