Bid To Delay Analog Tv Cut

The Sunday Age

Sunday July 24, 2005

PHILLIP HUDSON, POLITICAL CORRESPONDENT

THE Federal Government is under increasing pressure to dump plans to switch off the analog television signal in 2008, because of poor sales of digital TVs and equipment.

Liberal MP Jackie Kelly, who is chairwoman of a parliamentary inquiry into the issue, said there was serious doubt about a 2008 shutdown.

"It appears from the retailers, the broadcasters and the manufacturers that a 2008 date - unless there's a lot of work done and massive investment from government - ain't going to happen," she told The Sunday Age. "If we get our skates on, we can make 2010."

The 2008 deadline has never formally been set, although it had been the Government's target.

Television stations and the industry want a timetable for phasing out analog transmission and more incentives for people to buy digital TVs.

Only 5 to 9 per cent of homes now receive the digital signal, either through a digital TV set or a set-top box that converts it to their existing TV. The inquiry was told the technology ranges in price from $99 to $1500.

Mrs Kelly said a big concern was that people were still buying 1.5 million analog TVs a year, and there could be merit in a Government-funded education campaign.

"Consumers are probably not going to buy digital until the last minute," she said. "They believe, 'the longer I leave it, the cheaper it will be and the better capability'."

Channels Ten and Nine said the 2008 switch-off could not be met. Channel Seven and the ABC blamed Government restrictions on free-to-air digital broadcasting.

Sony said it was "vital for the success of digital broadcasting" for the analog shutdown to be as soon as possible, although LG has suggested 2010 as an option.

The retail group Retravision said a delay could have "damaging ramifications" for consumer confidence in digital.

Sony said the uncertainty was holding back shoppers buying the new equipment. Communications Minister Helen Coonan is expected to make a decision soon.

She admitted concern about meeting the 2008 deadline during a recent Senate committee hearing.

© 2005 The Sunday Age

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