Mildura digital TV assistance milestone

Stephen Withers
Friday, 07 May 2010 16:40

Your IT - Entertainment

2000 Mildura households have received Federal Government assistance to switch to digital television.

In January, the Federal Government launched a scheme to help disadvantaged Mildura residents make the switch to digital television. The region will be the first to see the switch-off of analogue broadcasts on June 30.

The Household Assistance Scheme covers households where at least one resident receives the maximum rate of the age pension, disability support pension, carer payment, veterans' service pension, or veteran's income support supplement.

Around 7000 households were potentially eligible under the scheme, which provides for the supply, installation and demonstration of a high-definition set-top box and any necessary antenna and cabling work. However, they must own a functioning TV and not already have access to digital TV.

2000 households have now been converted under the scheme.

"Time is running out to be fully ready for the digital switchover in June so I would urge those households in Mildura who believe they are eligible for assistance to contact the Household Assistance Scheme Information Line on 1800 556 443," said Stephen Conroy, Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy.

How is conversion progressing generally in the region? Please read on.