DIGITAL TV is coming to the Cooloola Coast, and residents have less than two weeks to be prepared for its arrival.

Rainbow Beach was to have switched over last weekend but this has been delayed. Tin Can Bay is to have digital television reception from Saturday, May 7, and Cooloola Cove will switch over on Wednesday, May 11.

About 9am on May 11, the analogue system will be switched off and the digital system will come into action across the coast from about 4.30pm that day.

Representatives from the Australian Government’s Department of Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy It’s Time to Get ready for Digital TV team, informed residents of the changes at a meeting last week.

The initiative’s Andrew Koogle showed the ideal kind of aerial to get the best reception, but said other antennas could be adjusted for clear reception.

He said the aerial needed to be directed correctly – towards the new towers – in order to receive a good signal.

Those at the meeting heard the earlier than original signalled change-over was happening because equipment at the Cooloola Cove transmitter needed replacing. Centrelink is now sending letters to all eligible pensioners, advising of the Household Assistance Scheme available to aid in the digital changeover.

For those renting their home, the installer could supply and install a set top box and upgrade the indoor antenna or cabling, but you would need to speak to your landlord or the relevant body corporate to arrange upgrades to external antennas or cabling. If you were eligible and did not receive one of these letters, telephone 1800 556 443.

The digital TV services in Rainbow Beach and Tin Can Bay were new, as neither town had a tower previously.

To find out more, visit www.digitalready.gov.au or call the Digital Ready Information Line on 1800 20 10 13.