ON Tuesday, November 27 analogue television will be permanently turned off across areas of Northern NSW and free-to-air TV will be broadcast in digital format only.

The government decided to go digital because most overseas programs are recorded in this format and it was considered important to keep up with the latest technology.

Digital television brings a number of positive aspects including DVD quality pictures, CD quality sound and wide-screen format and will also provide new digital TV channels which will include features such as a digital TV guides and weather update services.

To ensure you don't lose your free-to-air television service, the government suggests you act as soon as possible and follow in the footsteps of residents of countries such as Finland, the Netherlands and the USA and switch to digital with or without Canberra's help.

If you decide to ignore the change-over and do nothing you will lose the ability to watch free-to-air television once the switch takes effect.

However, there are a number of options open to you to ensure you will be able to continue to enjoy free-to-air.

The easiest alternative is to purchase a digital television which contains an in-built digital receiver and generally incorporates a high quality widescreen display as well as a high-level audio capacity with the necessary audio/video connectors.

If, however, the cost of a new digital telly is prohibitive, a set top box is the next option.

It allows you to receive and display digital television on your old television and could even add a recording function to your system.

To assist the community with the change-over, five local Digital Switchover Liaison Officers (DSLO) have been appointed and will work closely together with community groups and local government to raise awareness and provide advice.

The five officers will also promote the government's assistance programs, available to help people with the transition.

If you are unsure how to handle the change or simply want more information, you can attend an information session at one of the three libraries in the area.

On Thursday, August 30, Tweed Heads Library will host the area's first info session at 10am, followed by a session at Kingscliff on the same day at 2pm and the final meeting at Murwillumbah's library at 5pm also on the same day.

The sessions will run for about an hour and anyone interested in attending can get more information or book on 07 5569 3150 for Tweed library, 02 6674 1607 for Kingscliff library and 02 6670 2427 for Murwillumbah.

For more information on the government officers or to check if you are eligible for any of the government subsidised household assistance schemes or satellite subsidy schemes, the Digital Ready Information Line on 1800 201 013.