Helping Antenna Installers prepare for the retune
As the final step in the move to digital-only TV, some channels will change frequencies in a process known as the retune. These moves will free up broadcasting spectrum that will be used for new services, such as mobile broadband. Different areas will need to retune on different dates until the end of 2014. Just like the switch to digital-only TV, the retune has been carefully planned to make sure the change is as easy as possible.
Many multi-dwelling units, including apartments and groups of townhouses, have Master Antenna Television (MATV) systems that may require inspection before the retune. You can then determine whether the MATV system will need to be adjusted or modified to pick up the channels once they change frequency.
If you are engaged by a body corporate or property owner for the ongoing maintenance of their MATV system, you may consider contacting the organisation in the lead up to their retune date to inform them about the channel changes and offer to check their system.
Between now and the end of 2014 it may be useful for you to take into consideration the frequency changes that are planned at nearby television towers if you are modifying a Master Antenna Television (MATV) system or installing a new antenna at a private residence.
With retunes occurring across Australia between now and the end of 2014 and pre-retune site work often resulting in local outages of one or more services during the day it is important to remain informed of current retune activity as well as preparing for the actual retune at sites in your area. You can find technical information about the frequency changes and outages occurring in your area by clicking on the ‘More Information and Outages’ button on the mySwitch tool at retune.digitalready.gov.au.
For further information on the retune, visitwww.digitalready.gov.au/retuneor call the Digital Ready Information Line on 1800 20 10 13 (8am – 10pm AEST seven days per week).