Perth and surrounding areas have switched to digital-only TV, but help is still available
Perth and surrounding areas switched to digital-only TV signals on Tuesday 16 April 2013. If you haven’t yet converted to digital-only TV, it’s not too late to make the switch.
“Even though the switch to digital-only TV signals has taken place, you can still find assistance and support available if you are not yet digital ready”, said Tommy Adebayo, Digital Switchover ambassador.
If you haven’t yet converted to digital TV and are eligible for the Household Assistance Scheme, there is still time to apply. The Scheme has been established to help eligible people on certain full rate pensions have equipment installed in their homes free-of-charge and provide in-home aftercare support for 12 months.
You may be eligible if you have not yet switched to digital TV, have a working analog TV and receive the full rate of one of the following payments:
• Age Pension
• Disability Support Pension
• Carer Payment
• Department of Veterans’ Affairs Service Pension
• Department of Veterans’ Affairs Income Support Supplement
The Scheme will remain open for eligible residents of Perth and surrounding areas until 16 May 2013. For more information, call the Department of Human Services on 1800 556 443.
Talking set-top boxes are also available under the Scheme for people that have a blind indicator on their eligible payment, or care for a child who is legally blind.
People who are eligible to receive a talking set-top box will not have to do anything—once they opt-in to the Household Assistance Scheme, they will be identified as being eligible and the talking set-top-box will be installed free-of-charge.
“If you’re not eligible for the Household Assistance Scheme and haven’t yet converted to digital-only TV, it’s not too late to make the switch. You can still connect a digital set-top box or digital TV recorder to your existing analog TV. Otherwise, you can upgrade to a TV with a built-in digital tuner”, said Tommy.
To find out more about disposing of old TV equipment, including tips on what you can do with unwanted televisions and computers until local services start, visit www.environment.gov.au/ewaste.
For more information about the switch to digital-only TV signals and for translated information in 30 languages, visit the Digital Ready website www.digitalready.gov.au or call the Digital Ready Information Line 1800 20 10 13 (available 7 days a week, 8am to midnight AEST).
The Translating and Interpreting Service is also available on 131 450.
People who have a hearing or speech impairment can call 1800 555 677 and ask for 1800 20 10 13.
