Iam waiting till november to get my free HD set top box from the goverment ( pensioners get it free ) ring the number ask the people from digital ready advert on tv.......1800 20 10 13. THIS IS A FREE CALL FROM A HOME PHONE

There is a fair chance of this being correct.

The government has been conducting a trial in Mildura where a technician installs a STB into pensioners homes. Trial is now over and results not yet released. Some sort of announcement is expected around November as to exactly what the "digital assistance" approach will be. It may be a $ rebate, or pick up a particular STB by showing your card, or even an extension of the have it installed for you approach.

I'm a little surprised the government are moving into the free give-away phase so soon (with only 50% of households digital such an expectation could actually slow down digital take up as people put off going digital and wait) However the give away may also be staggered along side with the digital switch off (I believe Mildura is one of the first regions to go fully digital next year) so it might be a while until a free STB is available in your region.

Net effect though would seem if you're a pensioner and have no overwhelming need to go digital now then wait till November and see

Regards

Peter Gillespie

Howdy, I am glad I saw this thread - was in the process of purchasing a HD STB for my Pensioner neighbours.

Strathfield just rang and told me they finally have the Healing box in, so it will be their decision, whether to wait.

I just spoke to the Digital Info line- Like you said Peter the free boxes were for the trial. They said eligible Pensioners will be notified via a mailout in November through Centrelink about what is available.

It is possible that if Pensioners buy one now, they will still be eligible to claim a rebate at a later date. However, that is not in concrete, so if you buy one now- there is no guarantee you can make a claim. Although they did say because people are being encouraged to buy them now the Government is taking that into consideration.
I am a Disabily Pensioner, so I might be able to get one too. I have HDTV, but a HD for the bedroom would be a nice bonus.

I will wait for the announcement - as far as the Goverment goes, it's always better to have it in writing! :-)

cheers, Rebel

Mildura will be the first area in Australia to switch off analogue.

IAM GLAD PEOPLE ARE READING THIS IMPORTANT POST.!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I wonder what brand and whether they will be FreeView models - it'd be a nice little contract for the successful manufacturer

All,
The DBCDE will be letting contracts for installs of STBs which will have the contractor purchase the STBs. The install includes setting up the STB although I don't know what happens when the antenna signal is not of good enough signals.
STBs will also be supplied for Centrelink clients.

Where there is community funded analog translators, the plan appears to be to go to satellite with a subsidy of $600 and the viewer will have to pay $300.

The Mildura test site is an easy one from the point of view that the transmitter channels are in the same bands and it also excludes bands 1 & 2.

This problem will be worse in the following 6 months when SA regional switchoff comes. This is because most antennas are designed for channels 1 & 4; 3 & 5A or 1 & 8.

AlanH

This occurred to me too."Gee thanks for the free STB but now you're telling me I need to pay $***** to make the bloody thing work".

I cop this regularly as I am asked to set up STBs that people have bought only to find their antenna system won't pick up all the channels to make it work properly.Their problem suddenly becomes my problem as I'm meant to connect and tune it it and it should work ."Well shouldn't it !!!!!!!"

At least by having a digital field strength meter you can show them exactly whats coming off the antenna ."Look madam,this is Prime ,this is NBN and look at these ones see how low they are ,thats your antenna causing that" .

It doesn't fix the problem but it assures them that its not your incompetence .In most cases ,after seeing the vastly improved pictures on the available digital channels ,it inspires most customers to get their antenna fixed .


Naturally most people hate having to be forced into something.The analog phone and then the CDMA phone switch off are classics.
The Free STB is a sweetener but its not the be all and end all of the problem. Many pensioners can't afford the required antenna upgrades .

Regarding what brands of STBs will be supplied.
This is another potential disaster as the likelyhood of "CHEAP BRAND CRAP " read a few dollars saved on each one equals millions of dollars saved over all could result in **** loads of dodgy STBs supplied that won't work on the majority of existing antenna installations .And all us antenna installers know already of the issues faced when substandard STBs are expected to work and don,t.

Lets hope Healing gets the contract.I may have faith restored.

I can see a Today Tonight or ACA story coming in the next few months on unscrupulous installers taking pensioners for a ride with the lure of a free STB leading to a $250 antenna upgrade....we know how accurate their stores are

BelloTV,
The government appears to be ignoring the antenna problem. Picking Mildura where both analog and digital are both in bands 3 & 4 will probably mean no antenna replacements unless the system is below par.
It will get a lot more interesting when the next stage of the shutdown begins. This is because in Regional SA you have the following
SE. Analog on channels 1, 8, 29, 41 Horizontal. Digital 32, 39 & 40 Horizontal
Riverland Analog on channels 3, 5A, 30, 34 vertical. Digital 35, 39, 40 Vertical
Spencer Gulf North analog on channels 1 & 4 Vertical and 40, 42 horizontal. Digital 38, 41,44 Horizontal.

Translators are not a problem unless the town is less than 500 people then satellite may be the only option. As in Underbool in Victoria (Part of the Mildura licence area)

They have recognised the problem of MATV systems, however in Mildura and regional SA I expect that most of those would be in motels, hotels, and the odd nursing home.

AlanH

Hi, I'm glad to see an Antenna Installer recommending Healing.

My Pensioner neighbours have decided to go ahead and get one now for me to install.

Our area is not great for analogue signal strength especially 2, digital is way better but, sometimes have problems with 1HD on my Hitachi HDTV,
usually stormy/windy nights, but my old Digi in the bedroom works well.

I am hoping the Healing will solve their picture problems, as my Digi works fine at their house, however I have advised them that their connections my need some work as well, hopefully not.

Wish me luck. :-)

True, but i personally have found that the Healing box's are not a fantastic box.
Personally i would prefer to use one box that i have recently played around with:

Phoenix JT8800A High Definition HDMI

Which i found the box to be over the moon compared to the Healing box.

-MadElectronics

Care to define "over the moon"...?

Was it a happy little box?



rebelstorm,
there have been a few posts on the Healing, I'm not sure if you saw them.
This link here will take you to some of them.

Oh, and Good Luck!
Please post back with how you went.

Sure!

Well.... Since i have both of the units on display in our store, i was playing around with them, and i noticed that the Phoenix JT8800A High Definition HDMI seemed to preform much quicker than the Healing box.

The menu's were quicker. Surely everyone here has played around with a set top box, and when you hit the ok button, or the 'channel list' button it brings up a channel listing, well the Phoenix box takes about.... half a second. and the Healing box takes about 2 full seconds.

Almost the same as when they change channels. The Healing takes about 2 full seconds to change channels and display a picture & audio.
The Phoenix JT8800A High Definition HDMI takes about 0.5 sec <-> 1 second.

Overall i score the HD stb's like so:

Phoenix JT8800A High Definition HDMI: 8.9
Healing: 6


-MadElectronics

I think the issue that many of the posters above (and in other related threads reference there) have been looking for is an STB that performs well in a poor signal enviroment.
That's what is going to make it stand-out as a good performer.

For someone suffering from picture break-up because their STB isn't coping very well with the reception, the channel speed change probably wouldn't be too high on their list of 'must haves'.

In any case, I don't see the sort of delays you are talking about.
In fact, there have been quite a few comments as to how the new HHT893 changes channels quickly.





http://www.dtvforum.info/index.php?s=&...t&p=1261495
I just test drove one of these new 893 Healing boxes. They are very good! Good because all of the faults that were reported on this forum with the 892 model have been fixed! Now thats a quality outcome and is a credit to the manufacturer and supplier.
...
Slow channel change! fixed
...


http://www.dtvforum.info/index.php?s=&...t&p=1281829
Very fast channel change.
No annoying blue-ring power indicator.
Excellent PQ.
Sensitive & selective tuner (eg: works well with lower-end signal levels & good rejection of interference).
High quality HDMI & component cables included.
Certainly Healing's best unit so far.


http://www.dtvforum.info/index.php?s=&...t&p=1337012
...was nice and fast in the channel change.

Hi all,

I did research on the Healing box before I recommended it for my neighbours and I am please to report, so far so good.

My main problem during setup was caused by a faulty ariel lead, that I tried to convince them to change ages ago (thought they had), but I changed it with one of my spares and all good. On initial setup, couldn't get Channel 9 but, that was because of the old lead.

I hooked it up to an old Sony TV, picture quality excellent, signal strength great, easy for them to use. They are 'over the moon' about it. :-)

I was very impressed with how sensitive the remote is and found the channel changing very fast, so fast if you press it too long it will skip a channel.

I hope the Govt does give these ones out, then I can upgrade my old Digi in the bedroom.

I was also impressed with the cables supplied with the box, HDMI, Component and Composite.

I will let u know, if any prob's develop, but on first impressions, very happy.

I've never heard of the Phoenix, but as long as the customer is satisfied and has a good quality product, that is all that matters. Signal strength to me is more important than how many seconds it takes to do something, especially when you are talking about half a second to 2 seconds, but as I said, the Healing I set up is very fast.

cheers, Rebel.

Thanks Rebel, good to hear further positive feedback.

you say 'the healing', but which one? there have been quite a few - and the currently shipping hht893 is NOT slow in channel change.

I hope that us Gen Y are not going to be the ones who have to educate the older people how to use a HD STB/TV.
Because you may as well send the old people back to college to learn how to operate them.

I have been in that situation on educating old people
The How,What and Why of technology beacuase it can take several months for them to absorb how to even figure out, how to change the channel from ABC1 to watch BATB/DOOL.

I don't care how heartless people think of what i have said, it's just that i have better things to do during the day.

And you'll never be an old man who needs help from the young'ens about 'new technology'. Some of those bothersome old folks took bullets for you to enjoy your technology today. The very least you could do to repay them is share some of your knowledge and make their lives a little more comfortable. This is exactly why no other generation has any respect for selfish Gen Y.

Do you think I could still get a HD STB if I hide my two PVR's and DVD Recorder out the back when they come around ?

I lent one of my healing STB to an 85 yo little old lady who is not tecnically minded and it has not taken her long to master it except for slow reactions giving her 22 instead of 2 at times, and pointing remote directly towards STB and she is getting on top of these problems which ant bad for under a week and a fantastic picture on her CRT which is 15 years old and she is the one that mentioned picture clarity. I wonder if the Phoenix has a greater profit margin. I do agree that the Healing is not perfect but given its stability of sound and picture any other niggles can be forgiven particularly if you are in a poor signal area. cheers alan

Of course she picked it up! they're people too just been around longer. Good on you for helping her out. It probably means alot more to her than you know

All,
Remember this is only for Centrelink clients and pensioners!
Also the rollout will be just prior to the analog switchoff in your area. This means Mildura Vic only at the second half of next year. Capital cities the last half of 2013.

AlanH

.

Ok Ok Now go back to Watching ABC1/C31

I hope that includes us veterans affairs pensioners

Entirely up to you whether you wish to help someone else out, or just help yourself. I happily help out the older generations when they have any problems with it. In fact, anyone who asks me. I'm happy to share what I know. Good to see you're making a positive difference in the world. Good on you!

Please don't get Me wrong on this, however I have had bad experiences in educating much older people (e.g. Grandparents) which have be Taught the most simple thing to turn the TV off over and over again, but what makes Me sick is that most elderly people fail to Accept Changes which happen in Technology.
I have also got another Personal Experience that My Grandma does not Embrace Digital Technology such as ATM Cards and Even the good STB for this argument.
So thats why you got that Response from me as I have related this Response to What I Encounter in the Real World; i know it may sound Un-Reasonable but Thats Life.

I've heard some speculation that those Centrelink clients receiving Newstart Allowance won't receive the free set top box. Does anyone know anything about this?

Sheeeshh!!..the world owes ya so much mate!

I'm "old" at 43 and have just got a healing HHT893 box and am having some teething problems but I don't want YOUR help little fella.I don't believe in keeping up with the whoevers which is why I've only just bought a box..when ya get older you realise there are more important things than technology..it's just a luxury in most cases.

By the way, what do you think forums are for???..to just talk about bling or to maybe find some constructive answers??

Maybe start a new thread in the HD Set Top Box Receivers thread for your HHT893, and ask away.

I'm sure it could be helpful to others as well.

I'd love to but it seems that I don't have the permissions to post a new reply for some reason??

Probably need to put in five posts before you do. There is a thread (pinned, I think) for this purpose - try looking here: http://www.dtvforum.info/index.php?showtopic=44129

Cheers,

Al.

My signature (the bottom of my post) explains the problem.
And gives a solution...

I give advice to seniors on TV etc, and would have to say that anyone who can afford a wide screen TV with inbuilt HD tuner would be much better off going straight to it rather than fiddle with a STB. Having to set the TV to AV sounds simple, but causes a lot of headaches, particularly as accidentally touching a channel button on the TV remote will take it out of AV again. I hope people who can afford a new TV aren't going to wait around for the STB just because it is free.

Has anyone any updates on this?

Where can I read about it?

All I have found on Google is this: The Federal Government has confirmed a $13.6 million dollar package for the Mildura region which will include set-top boxes for up to 3000 pension-receiving households and access to satellite services for people in "black spots".

Is it only for Mildura, will it include only old-age pensioners or the lot, when does it kick in?

I can see the system open to rorting - how many set top boxes will appear on eBay in the weeks following?

s

Yes, only for the Mildura area ATM, as it's the first area in Australia to have analogue transmissions turned off.

Not limited to aged pensions, others on various welfare may also be entitled.

Arranged through Centrelink, so they would be the best to contact re: approval criteria.

Only one box per qualifying household.

Not eligible if there is at least one existing digital tuner (eg: integrated TV, STB, PC tuner card, etc) in the home.

Requires tech visit to home first to inspect current antenna, conduct signal measurements & submit paperwork.

No firm date yet for analogue switchoff in Mildura area, which will be during the first half of 2010 and satellite service not operational yet (likely to be mid-late October 2009) so will not occur before then.

Interesting the contract calls for either a HD STB with RF output, or details on how this can be achieved, for those TVs without external connections.

Does anyone know of HD STB's with RF output? My mum has a TV with no external connections. It's not that old either, a Pana 4:3 CRT flat screen.
STB's I've looked at seem to have a RF pass/loop through.

I've not seen ant STBs that have what you are looking for, but you could use something like this (RF Modulator) from DSE

Thanks for that link. Something tells me I might need it for a few of my TVs and set top boxes in the house, especially as I'm going to offload an old SD set top box onto my little brother (he loves GO!, believe it or not ).

Thanks diesel.

One of the old strong stb's had a modulator built in,not sure if the newer ones do tho sorry.

ps.seems they still do (altho SD)

http://www.strong-technologies.com/frmProd...ils.aspx?id=212

pps.there is also the other option of connecting video recorder to the tv and the conecting stb to the video av input.

The problem is not with 'old' people..... define 'old'......... Elderly Australians were among the first to embrace the Internet, DTP programs etc for two reasons, they have time on their hands and have heaps of photos of their grandkids to post so they can annoy the shyte out of their rellies in Canada etc Many people of my age group (60s) and older are right into Skype etc for the same reasons and we are more than amenable to learning new technologies and in fact anything interesting. We set up the U3A and it's going like a train.

IMHO the real sticking point is the in between generation, currently from mid 30s to 60s, who didn't grow up with computers at school or home, and have been forced to use a limited suite of programs at work and use a basic pre paid mobile, but grudgingly at that.

When I was briefly unemployed five years ago it was amazing how many people in their 30s and 40s at the job centre hadn't a bloody clue. I even sat next to a guy who had a typed resume in his hand and was looking at a job ad on the screen and it said 'click to attach resume' and he asked me "how do I attach this?". Oh dear.


So this STB giveaway isn't really going to affect them much at all. When they do get a replacement tv for their current black box Sony 1999 model it will come from a whitegoods store and have a built in HD tuner by default so no problems. And their pre teen kids can help them set up anyway

Mate it is for pensioners! (eg Disability, Aged, Vets) if you want a STB then get a job and go buy one. You don't get everything for free.

Yep everything is better with a job.

Want a life? - get a job.

So does anyone know if this thing is for real, when it will kick in for the rest of Australia, etc.?

s

RF Modulator

http://www.dse.com.au/cgi-bin/dse.storefro...n/product/L1507

http://www.radioparts.com.au/ProdView.aspx...roduct=37400010

Does anyone know if November ( as stated in an early post) is still an intended start date for this trial, or has there been any updated information posted anywhere from the government, etc?

I have been unable to find any further updates in googling around cyberspace.

Perhaps this will be worked upon after the Foxtel and Austar services are sorted out, and Optus starts testing for this service?

Thanks...

Until the government sorts out the proposed new satellite 'back spot' service for the Mildura area, I don't expect anything will happen.

There is now speculation of using the existing FTA channels via Foxtel, but that will create a whole set of new complications as to decoder type.

Sen. Conroy's office is tight-lipped at this stage on what is planned (if anything) how it will be implemented and a timeframe.

Translation:... don't hold your breath.