Viewer Access Satellite Television Explained

VAST, or Viewer Access Satellite Television, is a free-to-air satellite television service provided by the Australian Government.

It's available to anyone with a satellite dish and a compatible TV.

VAST is a satellite television platform in Australia, providing digital television and radio services to remote and black spot areas using the Optus-10 and Optus D3 satellites.

It's partly funded by the Australian Government and managed through a joint-venture between Southern Cross Media and Imparja Television.

The VAST service is a replacement for the Optus Aurora service, which means it offers channels that were previously absent on free-to-view satellite, such as a Network Ten affiliate, and the digital multichannels.

To access the VAST service, you'll need a VAST certified satellite decoder/receiver (set-top box) and smart card, and go through the necessary application process.

More information on the application process can be found at https://www.mysattv.com.au/.

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You can access VAST TV by purchasing a VAST certified satellite set-top box. Access to VAST is controlled by the smart card supplied with your satellite set-top box.

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To get started, you'll need to register your details including your address, reception location, and smart card number. This is a straightforward process that will give you access to a range of digital television and radio channels.

All viewers are eligible to see ABC and SBS services, which are available on VAST. You can apply for reception of VAST services at any time if you only want to receive these channels.

There are three types of viewers that may want to get VAST: viewers who want to receive ABC and SBS services only, viewers in the Remote Central & Eastern Australia Licence Area, and viewers in regional and metropolitan areas served by normal terrestrial TV services but who are unable to receive TV after digital switch over.

To access VAST, you'll need an approved VAST set top box and satellite dish. The specific commercial channels available depend on the VAST zone your receiver is registered to (either the South/East zone or the West zone).

Here's a summary of the steps to get started with VAST:

VAST TV offers a free-to-air service with no ongoing subscription costs, making it a cost-effective option for viewers.

You can get access to a minimum of 16 digital television channels and 14 digital radio channels with VAST TV.

The commercial channels provided by Southern Cross Media, Imparja Television, Golden West Network, and WIN Television are also available, including standard definition and high definition channels.

One of the key benefits of VAST TV is its ability to provide local news content from regional broadcasters on dedicated local news channels.

Let's compare the cost of VAST TV to subscribing to streaming services in Australia. Here are the estimated monthly costs for some popular streaming services:

Subscribing to three to four streaming services can cost between approximately $560 to $780 per year, highlighting the significant cost savings achievable by utilizing VAST TV.

To access VAST TV, you'll need a VAST approved satellite set-top box, such as Satking, Altech UEC or HUMAX decoder. These set-top boxes are now available from Rockhampton Antenna & TV Services.

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You'll also need a satellite dish of at least 65cm diameter. The smart card supplied with your set-top box is essential for accessing VAST, and it's matched to your set-top box at the factory level, so don't even think about trying to swap it.

To register your smart card, you'll need to provide your address, reception location, and smart card number. This is a crucial step in setting up your VAST service.

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To access VAST, you'll need a VAST-approved satellite set-top box. These are available from various providers, including Rockhampton Antenna & TV Services.

A satellite dish of at least 65cm diameter is also required. This is a standard size that should cover 80% of cases.

You'll need to register your details, including your address, reception location, and smart card number, to enable access to VAST. This is a crucial step in setting up your service.

The unique smart card and set-top box are matched at factory level, so you can't swap smart cards or use them in multiple boxes. This ensures secure access to the service.

Satellite set-top boxes from reputable providers like Satking, Altech UEC, or HUMAX are recommended. You can purchase these from providers like Rockhampton Antenna & TV Services or online through their website.

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The Large Satellite Dish Mount Kit is a crucial part of setting up your satellite system.

This kit is included standard in the Satellite Kit Home Large Dish+Mount+Meter+Receiver, so you don't need to choose it separately.

The kit is a 6-piece package that includes a cable, making it a convenient option for those who want a comprehensive solution.

You can select additional options to customize your kit, but the dish, LNB, and Satlink meter are already included in the kit.

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To access VAST TV, you'll need to purchase a VAST certified satellite set-top box and register your details, including your address, reception location, and smart card number.

The smart card supplied with your satellite set-top box controls access to VAST.

All viewers are eligible to see ABC and SBS services on VAST, which are available in all states except for WA until December 15th, 2010.

There are three types of viewers who may want to get VAST: those who want to receive ABC and SBS services only, viewers in Remote Central & Eastern Australia, and regional and metropolitan viewers who are unable to receive TV after digital switch over.

To determine which category you fall into, check the following eligibility criteria:

If you're traveling in a caravan or motor home, especially in remote areas of Australia, you might be wondering how to get TV reception. People traveling in caravans or motor homes in remote areas of Australia are eligible to apply for temporary access to VAST.

Our technicians can assist with the application process as well as the installation of the required equipment. They're all professional and specially trained, with years of experience in the industry to get the job done right every time.

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All viewers are eligible to see ABC and SBS services on VAST, as these services are available on VAST.

You can apply for VAST access anytime if you only want to receive ABC and SBS services.

There are three types of viewers that may want to get VAST: those who wish to receive ABC and SBS services only, viewers in the Remote Central & Eastern Australia Licence Area, and viewers in regional and metropolitan areas served by normal terrestrial TV services but who are unable to receive TV after digital switch over.

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If you're in the Remote Central & Eastern Australia Licence Area, you can apply for VAST services from 15 December 2010.

Regional and metropolitan viewers who won't be able to receive television after switchover can apply for VAST access 6 months prior to switchover.

VAST is already available throughout regional New South Wales, including Port Macquarie and surrounding areas.

Here are the eligibility types and their corresponding application deadlines:

To access VAST, you'll need an approved VAST set top box and satellite dish.

You'll also need to register your details, including your address, reception location, and smart card number.

The smart card is supplied with the satellite set top box, also known as a VAST decoder.

This smart card controls access to the service.

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