Digital revolution transforms TV

FREE-TO-AIR analogue television is fast approaching its expiry date, with the digital revolution just around the corner.

December 6 is the date to remember, when regional Queenslanders will be forced to cough up the cash to buy a new television or set-top-box as the switchover from analogue to digital hits.

Warwick Senior Citizens committee vice president Mick Mceniery said although he was ready for the change, he wasn't sure other seniors were quite as accepting.

"Seniors have a problem with some of the new technology and are frightened of it, therefore don't want to try it," Mr Mceniery said.

He feels the digital revolution has left senior citizens out of the loop.

"They don't know where or how to access help and a lot of seniors don't buy newspapers so they find it difficult to access information," he said.

Harvey Norman franchisee Chris Robson said his team was there to assist anyone with questions.

"If anyone has difficulties they can call aerial installers or us here at Harveys," Mr Robson said.

Mr Robson said the advantages of digital television were notable.

"Better audio, better picture quality, more channels and can be hooked up to surround sound equipment to give you a full experience," he said.

Mr Robson said the process was easy with these few steps:

Preparation: "With old televisions you can buy a set-top box which can substitute a digital television and are as inexpensive as $49 depending on reception and other factors. Or you can purchase a television with a digital tuner in it."

Installation: "You plug the aerial into the set-top box and a few other things, it's simple to do but we can offer them any advice and explain what they don't understand."

Use: "It operates the same as a normal TV, just with the advantages of digital,"

Mr Robson said the process is easy with these few steps:

Preparation:

"With old televisions you can buy a set-top box which can substitute a digital television and are as inexpensive as $49 depending on reception and other factors. Or you can purchase a television with a digital tuner in it."

Installation:

"You plug the aerial into the set-top box and a few other things, it's simple to do but we can offer them any advice and explain what they don't understand."

Use:

"It operates the same as a normal TV, just with the advantages of digital," he said.