Freeview launch in January 2009
A consortium of broadcasters has just been formed to drive forward the new Australian Freeview service planned for launch in January 2009. The consortium consists of both public service and commercial broadcasters and has been created to help drive the take up of the free-to-air digital terrestrial television platform.
Members of the consortium include ABC, SBS, the Seven Network, the Nine Network, Network Ten, Prime, WIN and Southern Cross.
From early 2009 next year the free-to-air network will broadcast one new SD channel from each broadcaster as well as its existing SD channel. In all 15 channels are expected to be available on the new platform. The Freeview platform will continue to use the MPEG-2 compression standard.
Source: DTG website
Item added: 21st July 2008
Consultation on DSO legal framework opened
The Department of Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy has opened a consultation on the existing digital switchover legislation, saying that it restricts the Australian Government's ability to implement a flexible switchover process that addresses the various technical and other issues affecting digital switchover in different parts of Australia.
The Department is examining possible legislative change that may be required to implement an appropriately flexible switchover process.
Among its proposals, is that smaller switchover areas are created, final decision-making authority is given at the Federal level and that the there is flexibility with the switch-off dates in each switchover area.
Responses to the consultation can be submitted up until 4 July.
The Digital Switchover Taskforce is expected to present a switchover timetable to the Government by the end of 2008.
Analogue switch-off is planned to be completed by the end of 2013.
Source: Department of Communications website
Item added: 10th June 2008
Conroy confirms ASO as 2013
Communications Minister Stephen Conroy has confirmed Australia’s plans to complete its switch to digital TV by the end of 2013.
He said that at present 40% of Australians access digital television services.
To increase and promote the consumer switch to digital television the government has created a new task force, made up of television networks, broadcasters, content makers and manufacturers.
In addition the government has re-packaged and confirmed the allocation of $38 million (Australian) to assist with the digital switchover.
Source: advanced-television.com
Item added: 15th April 2008
ACMA publish latest report on free-to-air TV
The Australian Communications and Media Authority has just published a new report on the adoption of Digital Television in Australia which puts the proportion of those watching terrestrial digital television at 42%.
When the number of viewers subscribing to digital television services are combined with those watching terrestrial digital television the proportion watching free-to-view services increases to 52%.
The highest adoption rates for DTV where in Mildura (70.3%) and Tasmania (64%) and the lowest in South Australia (37.1%) and Queensland (37.2%)
The full media bulletin can be accessed by clicking on the following link: ACMA website
Item added: 15th April 2008
Nine launches HD service
Nine Network launched its high-definition service, Nine-HD, on the 17th March 2008.
The new service will provide a simulcast of the existing Nine service with 12 hours per week of different programme content.Seven-HD and Ten-HD both launched their HD services last year and each provide over 40 hours per week of different programming per week compared with their standard-definition services.
Nine executives say that the audience for stand-alone HD are still too small and that they are waiting to launch more SDTV channels, when the current regulations allow after January 2009.
Source: Rapid TV News
Item added: 23rd March 2008
Broadcasters to offer Freeview
Rapid TV News reports that local Australian sources suggest that broadcast network operators are examining the formation of a “Freeview” consortium to promote the take-up of DTT.
Previous government regulations had prevented the broadcasters Seven, Nine and Ten from providing new services on the DTT platform. With the relaxation of legislative restrictions broadcasters are now able to launch new services in high-definition.
With this news comes reports that broadcasters are working together to launch an "awareness" campaign, which may lead to a new brand - Freeview - being adopted for marketing purposes.
Main source: Rapid TV News
Item added: 10th March 2008
New Analogue Switch off date confirmed
As suggested in earlier reports, the election of a new government in Australia has brought about some changes in the countries Digital Switchover Strategy (DSO).
The body responsible for leading the switchover, Digital Australia, has been disbanded and its tasks transferred to the department of Broadband Communications and the Digital Economy. A new analogue switchover date has also been confirmed as occurring by the end of 2013, with the largest cities set to begin digital-only transmission during December 2009.
Digital TV penetration is now estimated as 30% of the population
Source: The Australian
Item added: 27th December 2007
Election may bring changes
The election of the Australian Labor Party (ALP) this November is expected to bring a few changes in the media sector. One of these is reported to be a firm date for the Australian analogue switch off, which is now expected to be set at 31st December 2013.
Another expected change is that the activities of ‘Digital Australia’, which was set up to help push the digital transition, will be taken over by the Department of Communications.
Source: Rapid TV News
Item added: 27th November 2007
Single EPG for Australia
Up to now the programme guides on each DTT channel have been different in Australia but Broadcasters have now agreed to provide viewers with a single free-to-air Electronic Programme Guide (EPG).
The new EPG should be available by 1st January 2008.
Free-to-view is now available in more than 30% of Australian households.
Source: Rapid TV News
Item added: 20th November 2007
Australian HDTV Set Top Box price reduces
Australia has been restricted to simulcasting the same programmes on SDTV and HDTV at the same time, until recently. Now broadcasters are permitted to have separate programming on each service. This is expected to give the HDTV market a significant boost which Aldi a supermarket chain in Australia has marked by offering what seems to be the lowest cost HDTV box so far. Each week Aldi offers specials and recently a DVB-T, HDTV STB from Tevion was on offer for 119 Australian Dollars. This price included goods and sales tax at 10% which equates to a retail price of 108 Australian or approximately 95 US dollars.
Source: Australian correspondent and Aldi
Item added: 23rd October 2007
Australia's Seven and Ten to launch HD channels
Australia's Seven Network and Network Ten are to launch free-to-view high-definition television (HDTV) channels in December.
Australia recently changed the media law to allow broadcasters to operate both SD and HD services in 2009, with separate programming rather than than the simulcast only rule which applied before.
Seven Network CEO David Leckie said its new channel would help drive take-up of digital television. "Our plan is to build on our leadership position in Australian drama, sport, news and entertainment and establish a broad multiple channel presence to further develop the strength of the free-to-air digital platform over the coming three years."
Network Ten said its Ten-HD channel would offer "more choice, in the highest possible broadcast quality, for free". Network Ten CEO Grant Blackley, said: "Ten-HD will excite and entertain audiences across Australia like never before. We are no longer bound by a single linear channel, and Ten-HD is a natural next step in our goal to make our content as widely available as possible to consumers."
Source: DTG website
Item added: 18th September 2007
Tick in the Box for High Definition
AEEMA’s Australian Digital Suppliers Industry Forum (ADSIF) recently announced the launch of AEEM’s new High Definition certification “tick” logo.
The HD certification “tick” logo identifies which televisions have a built-in HD digital tuners and provides consumers with the assurance that their TV purchases meet all Australian and industry standards for a true HD television experience.
ADSIF chair Ross Henderson said: “We want to make it as easy as possible for people to understand what constitutes HD TV. What we are trying to do is help consumers to clearly identify products that are developed to relevant standards, while providing greater certainty when connecting with other digital entertainment products”
Source: AEEMA
Item added: 28th August 2007
New Mobile TV trials underway
Broadcast Australia is hosting a new trial of DVB-H to handheld and mobiles at its Gore Hill site in Sydney. The three-month trial, which started on May 7th, is being broadcast on UHF channel 29 and is collaboration between Broadcast Australia, Thomson Grass Valley and Irdeto, the trial licence holder.
The trial will test a new head end integrated with an OSF-compliant digital access content protection system as well as statistical multiplexing to allow more services in the available bandwidth. The trial will also explore the reception performance and functionality of the latest generation mobile handsets. Currently trial participants have access to five mobile TV channels
Source: Cellular News Australia
Item added: 31st May 2007
Freeview continues to pick up more viewers
The estimated number of free-to-view digital television receivers sold to retailers and installers in the Australian market during the 1st quarter of 2007 reached 247,000 units; raising the cumulative total sales figures since DTT began to over 2,547,000.
The estimates are based on sales reports made to Digital Broadcasting Australia (DBA) and data collection agency GfK Informark. Monthly sales volumes were 82,600/month during the first quarter of 2007 compared with 71,420/month during the same period in 2006. HDTV receivers are estimated to account for 39% of receivers in Australian homes.
After careful analysis the penetration of Freeview is estimated at 2.2 million households, 28% of the 7.8 million existing Australian TV households.
Source: Digital Broadcasting Australia
Item added: 21st May 2007
DVB-H mobile TV trial for Sydney
PAY media platform provider Irdeto Access will run a mobile TV trial in Sydney using one or both of the two spare TV channels planned for sale later this year.
The three-month trial has been approved by the Australian Communications and Media Authority and involves the demonstration of Irdeto’s security systems for content owners, designed to defeat piracy. It will also assess how well DVB-H operates with a variety of mobile handsets and network operators.
Source: Australian IT
Item added: 10th April 2007
Digital receiver sales reach new high
The average monthly sale of digital receivers reached a new high in the fourth quarter of 2006 with sales of over 100,600 units. This compares to monthly average of 72,600 units for the fourth quarter of 2005.Latest estimates published by Digital Broadcasting Australia show that 25% of Australian households can access free-to-view digital television as of the end of 2006. Cumulative sales of digital receivers has now reached 2.3 million units and the number of digital receivers sold between 1 October and 31 December reached 302,000 units of which 53% were iDTVs.
Source: DBA website
Item added: 20th February 2007
Digital Action Plan released
Minister for Communications, Senator Helen Coonan announced the release of the “Digital Action Plan” on the 23rd November with the aim of helping to guide Australia’s transition to digital television. Called “Ready, Get Set, Go Digital” the action plan outlines the key steps the government will take on the road to a digital switchover. This includes the creation of a dedicated switchover body dubbed “Digital Australia“ tasked with coordinating the efforts of the Government, industry, manufacturers, the regulators and consumers in the lead-up to switchover. Analogue switch-off is expected to take place between 2010 and 2012. Copies of the full plan can be obtained at www.dcita.gov.au
Source: Action plan press release
Item added: 28th November 2006
Australia to auction DTT spectrum
The Australian government plans to auction of two sets of DTT spectrum “as soon as possible” according to a recent item on the advanced-television website.
Ten-year licences will be auctioned separately with channel A reserved for in-home standard definition services and channel B for “a wider range of uses” which could include new digital services such as mobile TV. The in home services cannot be subscription based but this does not apply to channel B, which could charge a fee for a mobile service. Services on both allocations must start within 18 months of assignment.
Source: Advanced-television
Item added: 26th September 2006
Free to view digital TV sales exceed 1.74 Million
At the end of June 2006 the estimated number of free to view digital television receivers sold to retailers and installers in the Australian market was in excess of 1,740,000 units according to the latest figures from DBA.
Average monthly sales figures for units sold during the April to June 2006 quarter were 76,600. This exceeds reported sales figures during the December 2005 quarter of 72,600 units.
Of the 229,000 units sold to retailers and installers during the June 2006 quarter, 40% were High Definition receivers.
Putting all the figures together and working on the cumulative results reported to June 2006, the estimated home take-up penetration of free to view digital TV has reached the 1.57 million mark which is approximately 20% of Australia’s 7.6 million homes.
Source: Digital Broadcasting Australia
Item added: 4th September 2006
Simulcasting dropped and a compromise on multi-channelling
Australia’s free-to-air television networks will no longer have to simulcast their services in high-definition and in its place will be able to offer a stand-alone HD channel, under plans announced by communications minister Senator Helen Coonan.
In a Media release entitled “New Media Framework for Australia” Helen Coonan goes on to explain further changes to the digital Broadcasting requirements in Australia, which are planned to become law at the start of 2007.
Broadcasters however cannot choose to drop HDTV altogether once the simulcasting requirement has gone, since the current required quota of 1040 HDTV hours to be broadcast each year still remains. But the change is seen as an end to the previous Australian plan that HDTV would be the driver for the change to DTT.
Free-to-air broadcasters will also be allowed to launch one new standard definition channel as part of the proposals from 2009 as part of the changes.
In addition two new channels will also be opened up and the Government says that these will be for “new and innovative services” such as mobile and interactive TV.
Under the changes commercial broadcasters will still have to wait until analogue-switch-off before full multi-channelling is allowed. The new target for analogue switch-off is 2010-2012 and not 2008 as previously planned.
Source: Media release from Senator Helen Coonan
Item added: 17th July 2006
Sydney movemedia Trial reveals strong consumer interest in Mobile TV
Final results from the Sydney Mobile TV trial delivering 16 television services to mobile handsets have revealed a high level of consumer interest in commercial Mobile TV. A significant majority of trial participants expressed interest in subscribing to a commercial service.
80% of trialists liked the ability to watch TV anytime, anywhere- particularly when waiting, travelling, at home or commuting. Total TV viewing increased during weekdays as a result of the movemedia service, particularly in the mornings and at lunchtime.
The trial was conducted with 375 trialists by partners Broadcast Australia Group and Telestra. It offered 10 Foxtel channels (Channel V, E!, Fox, Football, Fox Sports News, Nickelodeon, Sky news, Sky News Business, The History Channel, The Lifestyle Channel and The Weather Channel), along with ABC2, SBS, Channel Nine, CNN, Sky Racing and Boomerang.
The trial commenced on July 2005 and was transmitted on UHF channel 29 from BA’s Gore Hill facility using DVB-H technology with an ERP of 80kW. Nokia 7710 handsets were used to receive the 16 channels.
Source: Broadcast Australia press release
Item added: 11th July 2006
Multicasting and a 2012 Switchover
In a recent document, “Meeting the Digital Challenge: Reforming Australia’s media in the digital age”, it is proposed that the digital switch-off date is delayed from 2008 to 2012. Commencement of progressive switch-off is recommended to start in 2010.
These are just some of the proposals in this discussion document, from Senator Helen Coonan, Minister for Communications, Information Technology and the Arts. Comments are to be submitted by the 18th April 2006.
In recent reports Conan is quoted as saying that “ By relying mainly on market forces to drive take-up of FTA digital television we have clearly not progressed at a level and pace to allow switch-over to commence at the end of 2008 as originally planned. Australia must now implement a strategy to energetically drive take-up to achieve switchover.”
A Digital Action Plan will be drawn up with the aim of determining and ensuring that the switchover process meets its planned goals. The discussion document is a key part of this process.
In the media release it is also mentioned that the previous analogue models do not suit the digital age and it even suggests that there may be some relaxation of the Australian simulcast rules for joint HDTV and SDTV which prevents multicasting.
The ability to provide multiple SDTV programs has been stated by several commentators as one of the main reason for the great success of DTT in the UK, which also never mandated HDTV services.
Main Source: gov.au
Item added: 21st March 2006
Mobile TV Showcase at Melbourne 2006 Commonwealth Games uses DVB-H
Telestra, Microsoft and Broadcast Australia announced on Monday, 13th March their plans for Melbourne's first live demonstration showcase of mobile TV, as part of the Melbourne 2006 Commonwealth Games.
The Melbourne service will broadcast up to seven channels of live Commonwealth Games using DVB-H technology to deliver the programmes to mobile handsets.
Transmissions begin on March 15th and end with the games Closing Ceremony on March 26th.
Broadcast Australia is providing the transmission infrastructure for the showcase service. "We are very pleased to be part of this wonderful event," said Graeme Barclay, Broadcast Australia Managing Director. " We believe strongly that mobile TV is a product of the future that allows consumers the opportunity to access their favourite television shows via a handheld device-anywhere, at any time. DVB-H is an exciting new mobile television platform that represents a convergence of traditional broadcast and mobile communications technologies.
Source: Pc world
Item added: 13th March 2006
Analogue TV switch-off delay recommended
A Federal Parliamentary committee has recommended delaying the shutdown of analogue television broadcasts until 2010, to encourage a smooth transition to digital television.
The delay has been suggested because Australians have been slow to take up the new technology.
"The committee believes the lack of certainty regarding analogue switch-off is a key failure in the drive to take-up digital television and recommends a nationwide analogue switch-off on the first of January, 2010," she said.
Source: ABC
Item added: 13th February 2006
Digital TV sales in excess of 1.3 million units
As of December 31st 2005 the estimated number of digital television set top box receivers and integrated digital TV sets sold to retailers and installers was 1,304,000 units, with 49% (642,000 units) of the total being sold during 2005.
The estimate is based on sales reported to DBA and to the industry data collection agency, GfK Infomark, by companies supplying to retailers and installers.
Source: DBA newsletter
Item added: 2nd February 2005
Sales of digital tv receivers expected to boom for Christmas
Sales of digital television receivers by the major suppliers in October 2005 are more than double the sales recorded in October 2004 - pointing to a very healthy increase in sales by retailers leading up to Christmas.
DBA reported that at the end of September 2005, 1,085,000 digital television receivers had been sold by suppliers to retailers, with average monthly sales in the September 2005 quarter of 54,500 units.
Source: DBA Newsletter Dec/Jan
Item added: 13th December 2005
Recent
DBA welcomes release of ACMA digital media survey
Digital Broadcasting Australia welcomes the release earlier today (9 Nov 2005) of the Australian Communications and Media Authority digital media survey. The survey confirms the level of free-to-view digital television receiver sales already reported by the DBA and the importance of consumer information.
The ACMA survey, conducted in June and July 2005, indicates that 988,000 homes (13% of Australia's TV homes) have taken up free-to-view digital technology. According to the ACMA report, about 20% of those homes have more that one free-to-view digital television receiver, thus translating into total sales of receivers to consumers of nearly 1.2 million.
Source: DBA press release
Item added: 9th November 2005
Pay TV Operators agree to 2007 switch-off
Australia recently abandoned its 2008 analogue switch-off target because of poor reported take-up of DTT, however Pay television operators have now announced that they will be switching of there analogue broadcasts before March 2007, sooner than expected.
The two largest pay television operators, Foxtel and Austar have a reported customer base of 1.8 million, with 75% already receiving digital signals.
Foxtel chief executive Kim Williams is reported as saying that "they (the subscribers) are taking (digital) out in droves. We think the issue may be that we arrive there sooner (March 2007) "
The recent Australian draft action plan pushed the switchover target for the whole of Australia to at least 2011 and methods to achieve this date are currently being studied.
Main source: DTG website
Item added: 26th October 2005
Previous
Australia might not make 2008 switchover
In a recent Sunday Age newspaper article Helen Conan, the Australian communications minister, is reported as saying that Australia is set to abandon its 2008 analogue TV switch-off target.
She went on to say that the reason for delay was the 9% current digital penetration which she thought was too low and that the government would have to do more to prompt take-up.
Item added: 19th August 2005
Source:DTG
920,000 free to view digital tv receivers sold to June 2005
As at 30 June 2005 the estimated number of digital television set top box receivers and integrated digital TV sets sold to retailers and installers was 920,000 - an increase of 143,000 units for the quarter.
The estimate is based on sales reported by DBA member companies supplying product to retailers and installers.
Source:DBA
Item added: 9th August 2005
TV to Mobilephone trial using DVB-H begins
Bridge Networks, a subsidiary of Macquarie Bank's TV towers business Broadcast Australia is set to start its year long trial in Sydney before the end of July.
The trial uses DVB-H technology to deliver video pictures to mobile handsets. Up to 1000 people will be given Nokia 7110 video mobile phones with special DVB-H receiver attachments.
Content partners have not yet been announced but Telco Telestra will be handling customer relations and providing some of the content.
Source: Australian IT
Item added: 14th July 2005
SBS broadcast MHP interactive TV application
The SBS current affairs program "Insight" commenced broadcasting an MHP interactive application in late May. Digital capable receivers are expected to be available in the shops by the end of the year. However all free to view digital TV viewers will be able to see the extra material, presented in a non-interactive way, on SBS Essential (Channel 31) during the broadcast of the program.
Source: http://www.dba.org.au/newsletter/IB-JunJul05-summary.asp
Item added: 7th June 2005
Extension of Simulcast period
The Communications Minister, Helen Coonan, has announced to a federal Senate Committee that it was unlikely that the analogue terrestrial television signal could be switched off in metropolitan areas by 2008, as originally planned in legislation.
The government's review of analogue switch-off is due for completion at the end of the year. Thus far, about 700,000 homes have have converted to digital terrestrial television. Source: Digitag
Item added: 2nd June 2005
DVB-H trial in Sydney to go ahead
The DVB-H trial by Bridge Networks continues to gain momentum. Planned for a 12 month period, the trial is expected to start in the middle of the year.
"During the trial period, we would expect the DVB-H transmissions to cover 80 percent of Sydney, or around 3.2 million people," said Darren Kirsop- Frearson, managing director, The Bridge Networks. "Telstra will be the sole telecommunications carrier involved in the trial and will manage the customer relationship and provide some content; Harris Corporation will supply transmission equipment and technical support; and Australian-manufacturer, RFS, will provide Radio Frequency combining products and services for the transmission of the DVB-H signal.
"Up to 1000 Telstra customers will use the DVB-H-capable handsets to measure coverage, particularly within buildings, as well as provide valuable consumer feedback about the level and quality of services being tested. It's a very exciting broadcasting development and evidence of a true convergence of the broadcast and telecommunications industries," continued Mr. Kirsop- Frearson.
Source: broadcastbuyer.tv 4th March 2005
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