Some developments today in the rollout of digital television services in some of the smaller markets.
Darwin’s Nine Network station, NTD, has today officially switched on local relays of digital channels GO! and GEM – hence completing the rollout of both channels to all capital cities either via Nine or WIN. The new channels can be found in Darwin on digital channel 99 and 90 respectively, with GEM broadcasting in high-definition format only.
Meanwhile, the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has announced that it has assigned extra digital channel capacity for the local broadcaster covering the Spencer Gulf region in South Australia, and Broken Hill, NSW.
Southern Cross Media, which currently provides Southern Cross Television (Seven Network affiliate) and Southern Cross Ten, has been allowed extra capacity to provide additional digital channels to the local regions. Southern Cross’ existing digital frequency currently has room only for the primary channels – Southern Cross, Southern Cross Ten and the soon-to-launch local relay of the Nine Network – meaning that local viewers have not had access to any of the new digital channels that have been launched by the capital city networks.
The decision as to which channels will be broadcast on the new frequency lies with Southern Cross Media.
The Regional South Australian markets, including Spencer Gulf and Broken Hill, will lose all existing analogue signals on 15 December 2010.
Source: ACMA
