Digital TV Explained

The digital TV video/audio data signal is transmitted over the air by a large number of transmission towers to be received in most households in Australia with a terrestrial antenna.

Digital TV in Australia is currently broadcasted in standard DVB-T with a COFDM modulation.

The move to DVB-T2 is happening in Europe and is expected to happen in Australia at some stage in the future. Trials have started already.

Residents unable to receive Digital TV over air with a terrestrial antenna are entitled to receive it over satellite with a satellite dish in DVB-S/S2 standard.

Video signals are broadcasted in a mix of MPEG2 & MPEG4.

Some older TV’s might not be able to properly display the MPEG4 signals.

The DVB-T signal is very robust, has error correction and can cope with some short term disturbances and minor system faults. Once problems/interference become too long or to severe, data will get lost, reception will start cutting out causing issues starting with ‘pixelation’, sound cut outs up to complete reception loss.

A good quality and appropriate design of a distribution system for a building or estate is essential to guarantee ongoing stable TV reception for all residents.

Further Information

My Switch

Digital Television in Australia

Digital Television FAQ