Step by Step Guide

1. Check whether digital TV is available in your area

Digital TV is currently available in most areas. However, to find out the exact status if the digital signal in your area, contact your local television station or use the mySwitch tool.

2. Check what equipment you will need

If you have an analog TV, you can connect it to a set top box or a digital TV recorder. You can also upgrade to a television with an integrated digital tuner. If you already have a set top box, digital TV recorder or an integrated digital TV, you should be able to receive the digital signals in your area and not need any other electronic equipment.

If you have or are planning to get subscription TV you can find out more about being digital ready in the FAQs.

3. Choose your equipment

If you are buying a new TV, set top box or digital TV recorder, the Australian Government has developed labels to help you get digital ready. Find out more about the Digital Switchover Labelling Scheme labels below.

Retailers participating in the Australian Government Retail Advisor Scheme will have approved digital advisors who can provide you with more information. Approved digital advisors have completed an assessment and will wear a badge displaying the Government's 'Get Ready for Digital TV' logo, their name and when their digital advisor status expires. Digital advisors can provide you with information about the Australian Government Digital Switchover Labelling Scheme and when switchover will happen in your local area, as well as the full range of options to get digital ready.

You can find your nearest digital advisor on mySwitch.

4. Troubleshooting

• Check your cables are in good condition and connected properly.
• If you use an internal antenna, you may need to replace it with an external antenna to get a reliable digital signal. 
• If you still have reception problems, you may need to contact an antenna installer and have your antenna system checked. Information about the Australian Government Antenna Installer Endorsement Scheme is available in the FAQs.

You can find your nearest endorsed antenna installer on mySwitch.

If you still can’t receive your local digital TV channels from existing terrestrial transmitters, you may be eligible for a satellite service. More information is available in FAQs.

If you live in an apartment, townhouse or unit, upgrading your antenna may require consensus from the other residents.

If you live in an apartment or unit, upgrading your antenna requires the agreement of other residents and the responsibility for contracting an antenna installer is with the body corporate or owners’ corporation.

If you rent your home and require an upgrade to an external antenna or installation of a new antenna system you should talk to your landlord about them taking responsibility for the work.

5. Disposing of your old equipment

Most analog TVs will be able to receive digital TV if the analog TV is connected to a set top box or digital TV recorder. So unless your analog TV is very old (and not able to be connected to a set top box or digital TV recorder) you won’t have to replace it unless you want to. Find out more about eWa