Information

  Digital TV

What benefits will digital television provide?

• Sharper 'Ghost free' reception

• Widescreen 16:9 pictures

• Standard Definition pictures (SD)

• High Definition pictures (HD)

• High quality audio and surround sound

• Electronic Program Guides (EPGs) with 'now & next program information for some channels

• Multi-camera views and enhancements during selected programs

• Extra Channels

• Advanced recording facilities

Digital Broadcasting Australia estimates there are now over 320,000 digital TV receivers in Australian homes, based on sales by DBA member suppliers to retailers & antenna installers to December 2003.

 Anecdotal reports from retailers indicate that customers with 4:3 TVs are also an important part of the market and are helping to drive along digital set-top box sales. The 2002 DBA Early Adopter Club survey (conducted in November 2002) showed that even at that time, 28% of respondents were connecting digital set-top boxes to 4:3 screens - for clearer pictures and home theatre systems. In these cases, retailers are encouraging their customers to think about purchasing a widescreen TV, so they can get the full benefit of digital.

With the announcement by the Seven Network that the Rugby World Cup coverage will be in widescreen, with extra commentary and stats channels, it is expected that more widescreen TV owners and 4:3 TV owners are likely to add a digital set top box to their TV system. Such information and capabilities will not be available to Analog Televisions.