Veiwer Access Satellite Television – VAST
If you can’t get quality TV through a standard TV antenna then VAST is for you.
Australians who can’t receive digital TV services from transmission towers in their area will be able to access the full range of digital TV programming from the new digital TV satellite service.
The Viewer Access Satellite Television (VAST) service will be operated by Southern Cross Media and Imparja, and is funded by the Australian Government. It will ensure access to free-to-air TV for viewers in the Remote Central and Eastern Australia licence area, and those in regional and metropolitan areas who are unable to receive their local TV services terrestrially.
This includes standard definition programming broadcast by Southern Cross Media and Imparja, sourced from the Seven, Nine and Ten commercial networks and their new digital channels GO!, 7TWO and ONEHD, as well as all of the ABC and SBS channels, including ABC2, ABC3 and SBS TWO.
The VAST service will also provide high definition channels and a dedicated local news channel in addition to state-based ABC and SBS news services on their respective channels.
Eligible viewers will be able to activate their access ‘smart cards’ online by going to www.mysattv.com.au The channels on offer depend on what part of Australia that you live in.
VAST will provide the same number of channels that people in capital cities can receive including ONE HD (SPORTS), 7TWO, GO, AND MORE.
Am I Eligible To Get VAST?
All viewers are eligible to see ABC and SBS services. All ABC and SBS services are available on VAST. The commercial services (CH7,9,10) commence officially on VAST in all states except for WA on the 15th December 2010.
For more information regarding your eligibility to get VAST services, click here.
There are three types of viewers that may want to get VAST:
- Viewers who wish to receive ABC and SBS services only.
- Viewers in the Remote Central & Eastern Australia Licence Area.
- Viewers in regional and metropolitan areas served by normal terrestrial TV services but who are unable to receive TV after digital switch over.
ABC & SBS Services Only:
You will be able to apply for reception of VAST services anytime.
Remote Central & Eastern:
You will be able to apply for reception of VAST services from 15 December 2010.
Regional & Metropolitan Viewers:
As digital switchover rolls out across Australia, regional and metropolitan viewers who will not be able to receive television after switchover can apply for VAST access 6 months prior to switchover.
VAST is already available throughout regional New South Wales including Taree and surrounding areas.
How do I get access to the new satellite service?
Access to VAST requires an approved VAST set top box and satellite dish. Access to the service is controlled by a smart card which is
supplied with the satellite set top box (know as a VAST decoder).
To access VAST you will need to register your details including your address, reception location and smart card number.
What channels are available?
VAST viewers will be able to receive all ABC and SBS digital television services including those from other states. All viewers will get ABC1, ABC2, ABC3, ABC News 24, SBS1, SBS2 and SBS HD. Southern Cross Media and Imparja are broadcasting digital commercial television channels in standard definition with programming from the 7, 9 and 10 networks and the high definition channels OneHD, 7Mate and 9GEM. The local news content from regional broadcasters will eventually be available on a dedicated local news channel exclusive to VAST.
What Equipment Do I Need?
Anyone wishing to access VAST will need to purchase a VAST approved satellite set-top box (Satking, Altech UEC or HUMAX decoder) and a satellite dish of at least 65cm diameter. Access to this new satellite service is managed by a smart card which is supplied with the satellite set top box.
To access VAST you will need to register your details including your address, reception location and smart card number to enable access.
IMPORTANT – The unique smart card and set top box are matched at factory level. Smart cards cannot be swapped or used in multiple boxes.
Satellite set-top boxes (Satking, Altech UEC or HUMAX) are now available from Rockhampton Antenna & TV Services.
You can call us on 0456 772 886 or purchase online through our website.
Where can I obtain further information about the new VAST satellite services and digital switchover?
For further information regarding registering your smartcard for VAST commercial services (CH7,9,10), go to www.mysattv.com.au.
The Government has established a national information telephone line and a website to provide advice and assistance to veiwers in the transition to digital television. The Digital Ready Information Line operates seven days a week from 8.00 am to 10.00 pm (AEST) on free-call number 1800 20 10 13.
The Digital Ready website may be accessed at http://www.digitalready.gov.au.
