Synopsis

Since the introduction of digital TV to Australia, there have been many additional channels made available to viewers. The transition to digital broadcasting was completed in December 2013. A retuning exercise to align digital TV channels progressed across the country during 2014.

The formation of Freeview and the launch of new Free-to-Air digital channels, along with the expansion of the networks’ online and cross-platform offerings, has meant that viewers have many more channels at their disposal. Customers have also taken to smart TVs, which incorporate the digital EPG feature ‘FreeViewPlus’ allowing hybrid broadcast broadband television (HbbTV) technology to replay TV programs directly to TV sets. The popularity of smart TVs coupled with the increasing adoption of tablets to view programs online has contributed to the gradual shift away from liner TV viewing.

This report provides an overview of Australia’s digital TV market, including a range of statistics related to digital TV sales and take-up, and penetration rates in metro and regional areas.

Key developments:

Smart TV penetration increasing, digital TV conversion completed, TV recycling.

Companies covered in this report include:

Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC), Special Broadcasting Service (SBS), Seven, Nine, TEN, Southern Cross, Prime, WIN, Freeview.