Frequently Asked Questions

GENERAL FAQ’S

Why should I buy a digital television or set top box?
Between now and the end of 2013 all of Australia's analogue television transmitters will be switched off. You must have a digital television or a digital set top box if you want to continue watching television after the analogue switch off.
 
Digital television offers better quality pictures and a greater variety of programming than analogue television.
 
Can my existing television work with a digital set top box?
Most existing televisions will work with a digital set top box but you must ensure that your existing television has an input that is compatible with the output of the digital set top box (Red, White and Yellow inputs).
 
When will I need to change over to digital television?
You will need to change over to digital television before the analogue transmitters are switched off in your area. Further information including the timetable for the analogue switch off can be found on the Digital Switchover Taskforce (insert hyperlink to http://www.digitalready.gov.au/) website.
 
What should I buy, a set top box, personal video recorder or integrated LCD television?
Depending on your requirements, all of the above devices will provide you with digital viewing.
A PVR (Personal Video Recorder) records and saves to a hard drive. The content can be viewed on demand or removed. Integrated TV (IDTV) has an inbuilt tuner, so no set top box is required.
 
What is the difference between HD products and SD products?
SD or Standard Definition products can only receive Standard Definition broadcasts. The SD picture resolution is 576 lines x 720 active pixels @ 50Hz interlaced (576i).
 
HD or High Definition products can receive both Standard Definition and High Definition broadcasts. HD broadcasts may be;
1920 active pixels x 1080 lines @ 50Hz interlaced
1440 active pixels x 1080 lines @ 50Hz interlaced
1280 active pixels x 720 lines @ 50Hz progressive, or
720 active pixels x 576 lines @ 50Hz progressive
 
Some digital channels are only available in HD.
 
What is Freeview?
Freeview is the free digital television service in Australia. Further information on Freeview (insert hyperlink to http://freeview.com.au/) can be found on their website

Do all STBs comply with Freeview standards?
No, there is Freeview compliant products on the market that comply with Freeview Standards. These can be distinguished from other non-compliant products by the Freeview logo.

Why would I buy a Freeview product over non Freeview product?
Freeview products offer some significant advantages over non Freeview products including an 8 day electronic program guide and the ability to decode MPEG4 signals with additional content which networks may broadcast in the future.

Do I need a new Antenna with my Digital television or Set top box?
In many areas your existing analogue Antenna will successfully receive the new digital television broadcasts. If you are unable to receive a digital signal with your existing antenna consult an experienced antenna installer in your area for further advice.
 
What is DAB+?
DAB+ is the standard that Australia has chosen for Digital Audio Broadcast or Digital Radio. Digital Radio offers superior sound quality when compared to AM or FM radio broadcasts. DAB+ also provides the facility for limited data casting which can be used to display text on a small screen on a DAB+ receiver.  
 
Can I receive DAB+ in my area?
DAB+ is currently being broadcast in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide. Further information is available from the Digital Radio Plus (insert hyperlink to http://www.digitalradioplus.com.au ) website.
 
What after sales support do DGTEC offer?
The DGTEC after sales number is 1800 189 941 which is available 8am to 6pm (Australian Eastern time). The support team will assist with DGTEC related setup queries and warranty issues.


TECHNICAL FAQ’S

There are no lights on the box to show it is on, what can I do?
Check the power supply cord is connected to a live power socket. Have the unit turned on. Push the Standby button to activate the unit. Front display should illuminate.

What cables can I use to connect a Set top box?
Depending on your televisions INPUTS and the set top box, you can either use CVBS (Red, White and Yellow), YpbPr (Red, Blue and Green) or HDMI to connect a set top box. Generally speaking you will connect an old CRT television with CVBS and LCD/Plasma screens with YpbPr and HDMI.

How do I connect a Set top box?
Connect your cables from your set top box, colour for colour into the corresponding Video/AV INPUTS at the back of your television. Ensure you turn to the AV channel you connected the unit to, on your television set. Ensure your television is turned on.

Where does the Antenna cable go?
The antenna cable should feed into ANTENNA/RF IN at the back of the set top box. Please note that the set top box will only function if an antenna feed is connected. Performance of the unit relies the signal strength coming from the antenna.

My remote doesn’t work, what do I do?
First, check the batteries. Alternatively, you can test a remote simply by using a mobile phone with a digital camera. Scan in on the Remote Sensor using your mobile camera, as if you are going to take a picture. Whilst holding the remote, push any buttons. Your remote is working if you see lights flicker on from pushing the buttons on the remote, through your mobile camera.

I can’t pick up all the channels, what can I do?
A set top box is not a device that amplifies the signal. It only outputs what signal your aerial picks up. Do a manual scan for the channel if you know what the frequency is for the channel you cannot pick up. Otherwise, do another auto scan.