Tasmanian TV services upgrades

All TVs sold since 2012, and many sold since 2008, should be MPEG-4 compatible.

If you can tune to all of the local free-to-air services available in Tasmania, including secondary channels such as 7Mate, 9Gem, 10 Bold and SBS WorldWatch, you can relax – the TV set supports MPEG-4. The changes taking place on 5 October should have no effect.

But if you still aren’t sure, it’s easy to check if you have one of these older sets. Simply select channel 35, by keying ‘3’ then ‘5’ into the TV set’s remote control.

You should see and hear the SBS World Watch news channel. If you can see SBS WorldWatch, relax – your set is compatible, and no further action is needed. However, if you see a black screen on Channel 35, or an error message, the TV does not support MPEG-4. It will not be able to receive any of the local secondary TV channels that are MPEG-4 only. To continue to watch the 5 network primary channels after 5 October, you will need to take some simple steps.

If your TV set stops displaying the five primary channels from the fifth of October, you’ll need to use the new, 2-digit channel numbers to get them back again. Or simply use the channel ‘up’ or ‘down’ buttons on your TV remote to scroll up and down till you find the channels again. A small number of viewers may find that WIN (8), which carries Nine Network programming, still doesn’t appear. In that case, you may need to re-tune your TV.

If your TV is affected, then you aren’t seeing free to air TV at its best. In order to see the ABC, SBS, 7, 9 and 10 main channels in High Definition, or to watch any of the secondary TV channels you are currently missing out on, you should consider upgrading your TV.

If you are already thinking it might be time to invest in a better screen, buying a new TV is your simplest option. TVs sold today are able to receive the full range of high definition programming and TV multi-channels that are available, free, in your area.

If you would prefer to keep using your old TV, the most cost-effective way to upgrade is to install a digital set top box. These can be obtained from most electronics stores for around $50. They are easy to set up and don’t take up much space.

Please note it will be the householder’s responsibility to meet any costs incurred.

Visit our detailed FAQ page, download the brochure and media release.