As the countdown begins, residents will need to buy a digital TV recorder or digital set top box to avoid losing their television service with the switchover.

Last week Digital Switchover Taskforce executive director, Andy Townend, visited Port Augusta to help explain the process.

He said for most the switchover would be relatively straightforward and inexpensive– a digital set top box costs as little as $40.

However help will be available to some in the region, including pensioners, carers and veterans through the Home Assistance Scheme.

There is no guarantee the new digital service will reduce black spots in the area and the government has warned some antennas may need to be upgraded to receive digital signals.

In response to this, the Federal Government in January announced a satellite service would provide digital television for viewers in black spot areas, a service that is expected to be running by December 15.

However Mr Townend said the biggest frustration for people in Port Augusta was the absence of Channel Nine programs, and extra digital channels.

Southern Cross Media chief operating officer Greg Dodgson this week said the company had not ruled out adding extra channels on the digital service.

“We are in discussions with the government about delivering additional services such as Channel Nine programming and other digital multi-channels such as ONE, 7TWO and GO,” he said.

More information about the digital switchover is at australia.gov.au/digitalready or by calling 1800 20 10 13.