TODAY Federal Communications Minister STEPHEN CONROY released a timetable for the switchover from Analog to Digital TV.

Conroy has announced plans for the switchover to be gradually rolled out with Mildura (Victoria’s north-west corner) getting the axe on June 30, 2010 ending with Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, remote western, central and eastern Australia moving to be digital-only by the end of 2013.

“The digital TV revolution is in full swing and Australians now know when they will need to be digital-ready” said Senator Conroy.

Mildura is currently leading the rest of Australia with the adoption of digital television, with 70% already using digital-capable technology.

Overall, I believe that this is a good move made by the government (unlike the silly flawed Internet filter), as long as it is handled effectively, somewhat like the Telstra CDMA network closure earlier this year.

The government is initiating a “Digital Switchover Taskforce” to help ensure the migration is made much easier for the public, when moving to the new technology.

“The Taskforce is developing an extensive labeling scheme for digital-ready TV equipment and services, and will launch a communication campaign to raise awareness of the label to assist consumers early next year.”

“Digital switchover is important for all Australians as it not only provides access to such things as better picture and sound quality and additional channels but it will also free-up spectrum which can be used for the delivery of new and improved broadcasting and communications services.” Senator Conroy said.

On a related note, this year Media Watch investigated why Channel Seven were not allowed to multi-cast.

Channel seven responded with:

“We’re not allowed to multi-cast. Government legislation prevents free-to-air commercial networks from multi-casting a sport which is on the anti-siphoning list…”

Perhaps with digital Television being made more available, and more channels being made available to broadcasters, these laws will phase out.

“In 2009 the Government is scheduled to review the anti-siphoning regime.”

Need a laugh?