IN THE NEWS The first phase of conversion to digital TV in the Richmond/Tweed, Grafton/Kempsey and Manning River areas of northern NSW has been reached with the release in early November 2001 of a discussion paper and draft digital channel plans. Digital TV proposed for the NSW north coast he first phase of the included the aim of spectrum expected as, in most cases, channels in each of these areas conversion of terrestrial efficiency, the need to retuning of television sets and that could be made available Ttelevision services from minimise any changes that VCRs will be all that will be for datacasting services. analog to digital in the viewers must make to their required. Digital transmissions must start Richmond/Tweed, Grafton/ existing reception equipment Public information, education on a date determined by the Kempsey and Manning River to receive digital television and campaigns and telephone ABA before 1 January 2004 in areas of northern NSW has been the desirability of broadcasters hotlines will be established to regional areas. The ABA has reached with the release in early being able to use their existing deal with and provide timely determined a simulcast start date November 2001 by the ABA of infrastructure to broadcast advice on how to retune of 31 March 2003 for the NSW a discussion paper and draft digital services,’ said Professor devices and alternative north coast. digital channel plans. Digital David Flint, ABA Chairman. connection methods before any The discussion paper television repeaters for The ABA has at all times given changes take place. and draft digital channel Murwillumbah in the the interests of viewers a high Tables summarising the plans for the NSW north Richmond/Tweed area and priority. However, the proposed assignment of coast are on the ABA web Coffs Harbour in the Grafton/ proposals will require some channels for the conversion of site, at www.aba.gov.au Kempsey area have also been changes to analog services and high power commercial and or by calling included in the plans. will have some impact on the national television services from Freecall 1800 810 241. The closing date for ‘In releasing these proposals, use of VCRs and set top boxes. analog to digital mode are submissions was Friday the ABA weighed up a number Fortunately, only relatively provided below. The ABA has 30 November 2001. of important factors. These minor disruption to viewers is also identified additional Draft digital channel plans summary Manning River Area served Analog/Digital Analog channel assignments/Proposed digital channel assignments ABTN SBS NBN NEN NRN Unassigned Manning River Analog 65962865 Digital 7 9A 12 9 44 40 43 # DECEMBER 2001/JANUARY 2002 9 ABA Update IN THE NEWS Draft digital channel plans summary (cont) Grafton/Kempsey Area served Analog/Digital Analog channel assignments/Proposed digital channel assignments ABDN SBS NBN NEN NRN Unassigned Grafton/Kempsey Analog 228343111 Digital 36 39 33 30 38 42 45 Coffs Harbour Analog 60 69 66 57 63 Digital 61 68 67 56 64 55 58 Richmond/Tweed Area served Analog/Digital Analog channel assignments/Proposed digital channel assignments ABRN SBS NBN NEN NRN Unassigned Richmond/Tweed Analog 64147448 Digital 29 40 37 35 32 9A 50 Murwillumbah Analog 60 57 69 66 63 Digital 29 40 37 35 32 34 50 10.