Last analog TV signals turned off

The last analog television signals have been switched off across Australia.

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The era of analog television in Australia is officially over, with the signal switched off in Melbourne and some remote parts of the country.

The last analog TV signals were turned off at 9am (AEDT) Tuesday morning in Melbourne and at 10am (AEDT) in parts of remote central and eastern Australia, the federal government's Digital Switchover Taskforce says.

The switchover to digital-only TV reception has now taken place in all parts of the country, affecting more than eight million households.

Communications Minister Malcolm Turnbull called the move to digital the "biggest change in Australian broadcasting since the introduction of colour television almost 40 years ago".

"The last of Australia's analog free-to-air television signals are switching off today in Melbourne and communities in remote central and eastern Australia," Mr Turnbull said in a statement.

He said digital TV meant better picture and sound quality, more free-to-air channels and freed up broadcasting spectrum for services such as mobile broadband.

The Digital Switchover Taskforce said it had delivered more than 318,000 subsidised digital set-top boxes to pensioners and veterans, and about 34,000 Satellite Subsidy Scheme installations as part of the switchover.

It said assistance schemes would remain open for Melbourne and remote central and eastern Australia until January 10, 2014.

People needing information on the change can call the Digital Ready Information Line on 1800 20 10 13.


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Source: AAP

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