A BROADCASTING tower that cannot simultaneously send analog and digital TV signals means Maclean and Ashby residents will get a jump on the rest of Northern NSW.

The north of the state is due to make the switch from analog to digital on November 27, but the Digital Switchover Taskforce has decided to move early in this area of the Clarence Valley.

A spokesperson for the taskforce said it had not set a firm date for the early switch, but urged residents to be ready.

The taskforce has arranged an information session in Maclean on Monday for residents. It will be held in the Maclean Civic Hall in River St from 3pm to 5.30pm.

"Early switchovers occur when broadcasters switch off analog TV on the same day that digital TV is switched on," the spokesman said.

"This is happening because the Maclean/Ashby tower located at Lookout Rd is unable to broadcast both analog and digital TV services at the same time."

To continue watching free-to-air TV after analog signals are switched off, households and businesses will need to ensure their televisions can receive digital TV services by either connecting a set-top box or digital TV recorder to their existing analog TV, or upgrading to a digital TV with a built-in digital tuner.

The spokesman said some buildings may also need to upgrade their antenna systems and cables.

"Residents who rent their homes or live in buildings with shared antenna systems should check with their landlords or body corporate to ensure their building is ready for digital TV," he said.

The Household Assistance Scheme is available in Maclean/Ashby to households who have a working TV, cannot reliably receive the full range of digital TV channels, and receive the maximum rate of the Age Pension, Disability Support Pension, Carer Payment or the Department of Veterans' Affairs Service Pension or Income Support Supplement payment.

To find out how to prepare for digital television visit digitalready.gov.au or call the toll-free Digital Ready Information Line on 1800 20 10 13.