About VAST
VAST, which stands for Viewer Access Satellite Television, is a satellite television and radio service that provides digital free-to-view channels to people who can't access them by normal means (ie; from a nearby TV transmitter tower or cable provider). The service offers a minimum of 20 full-time digital TV channels, 20 part-time local news channels, and almost 100 radio channels.
It is an encrypted free-to-view service, which means the channels are locked, and can not be watched without gaining approval and using specific 'VAST Certified' equipment. Once a viewer has gained approval, all ABC, SBS and community-based channels are unlocked, including a number of commercial channels which are relevant to the viewer's location.
Channels and Zones
All TV and radio channels from ABC and SBS are available to view. They are unlocked to all VAST viewers regardless of their registered location. Local ABC and SBS channels, which are specific to the viewer's location, can be found on channels 2, 3, 21-24 and 30-35. Interstate ABC and SBS channels are located on 200-299 and 300-399.
TV channels from the commercial broadcasters are separated into 3 zones comprising of multiple states and territories (see map on right). The zone in which the viewer is located determines which commercial channels are unlocked.
See the table below for more information.
South Zone |
North Zone |
West Zone |
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NSW, ACT & Norfolk Is. |
Victoria |
Tasmania |
South Australia |
Queensland |
Northern Territory |
WA, Christmas & Cocos Is. |
ABCTV HD NSW Ch 2/21, EDST |
ABCTV HD VIC Ch 2/21, EDST |
ABCTV HD TAS Ch 2/21, EDST |
ABCTV HD SA Ch 2/21, CDST |
ABCTV HD QLD Ch 2/21, EST |
ABCTV HD NT Ch 2/21, CST |
ABCTV HD WA Ch 2/21, WST |
ABCKids/TVPlus SE Ch 22, EDST |
ABCKids/TVPlus QLD/NT/SA Ch 22, EST |
ABCKids/ TVPlus WA Ch 22, WST |
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ABC ME SE Ch 23, EDST |
ABC ME QLD/NT/SA Ch 23, EST |
ABC ME WA Ch 23, WST |
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ABC NEWS Ch 24, EDST |
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SBS HD SE Ch 3/30, EDST |
SBS HD QLD/NT Ch 3/30, EST |
SBS HD WA Ch 3/30, WST |
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SBS VICELAND SE Ch 31, EDST |
SBS VICELAND QLD/NT Ch 31, EST |
SBS VICELAND WA Ch 31, WST |
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SBS World Movies Ch 32, EDST |
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SBS Food Ch 33, EDST |
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NITV Ch 34, EDST |
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SBS WorldWatch Ch 35, EDST |
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NSW, ACT & Norfolk Is. |
Victoria |
Tasmania |
South Australia |
Queensland |
Northern Territory |
WA, Christmas & Cocos Is. |
7 Central - South Ch 7, EDST |
7 Central - North Ch 7, EST |
GWN7 Ch 6/60/61, WST |
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7TWO Central - South Ch 72, EDST |
7TWO Central - North Ch 72, EST |
7TWO Ch 62, WST |
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7mate Central Ch 70, EDST |
7mate Ch 63/73, WST |
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- |
ishoptv Ch 67, EDST |
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- |
RACING.COM Ch 68, EDST |
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Imparja South Ch 9/91, EDST |
Imparja North Ch 9/91, EST |
Channel 9 Ch 8, WST |
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- |
9HD Ch 80, WST |
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GEM Ch 90, EDST |
9Gem Ch 82, WST |
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GO! South Ch 99, EDST |
GO! North Ch 99, EST |
9Go! Ch 83, WST |
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- |
9Life Ch 85, WST |
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- |
TVSN Ch 84, EDST |
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10 Central - South Ch 10, EDST |
10 Central - North Ch 10, EST |
10HD Ch 50, WST |
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10 BOLD Central Ch 1, EDST |
10Bold Ch 5, WST |
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- |
54-WA Ch 54, WST |
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10 Peach Central - South Ch 11, EDST |
10 Peach Central - North Ch 11, EST |
10Peach Ch 55, WST |
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NSW, ACT & Norfolk Is. |
Victoria |
Tasmania |
South Australia |
Queensland |
Northern Territory |
WA, Christmas & Cocos Is. |
Getting access to VAST
To find out if you're eligible, you need to visit the Digital Ready website and pin-point your fixed address on the map. Digital Ready will then tell you if you are allowed access to VAST and usually will grant access to anyone who falls under the following criteria;
If you're having trouble getting access to VAST, or if you're in an area with bad reception but the Digital Ready map says otherwise, it's best to give Digital Ready a call and talk to someone. They can explain what is required in cases like these.
DIGITAL READY
1800 201 013
'VAST Certified' equipment
The only way a viewer can access the VAST service is to use a 'VAST Certified' set-top box and an Irdeto Access smartcard. The two are always sold together. There are various makes and models available, including personal video recorders (or PVRs). They can usually be purchased from eBay and most satellite TV equipment stockists.
It should be noted that the set-top box and Irdeto Access smartcard are paired, which means the smartcard can not be used in any other device, even if it is Irdeto Access compatible. Smartcards are also not transferrable from one 'VAST Certified' set-top box to another.
Altech UEC DSD-4121 (obsolete)
The DSD-4121 high-definition set-top box is specifically designed for the Australian VAST service delivering industry leading quality and performance at market leading pricing. It has a single-tuner and can be upgraded to a PVR with the purchase of a PVR upgrade kit.
Altech UEC DSD-4121 RV (obsolete)
The DSD-4121 RV high-definition set-top box is specifically designed for the Australian VAST service delivering industry leading quality and performance at market leading pricing. This unit is similar to the DSD-4121, but has been designed with an external 12 Volt D.C power supply for travellers.
See official website for Altech UEC DSD-4121 RV
*NEW 2018* Altech UEC DSD-4921 RV
The UEC DSD 4921 RV is a "Next Generation" VAST Certified, Twin Tuner, High Definition, Digital Satellite Set Top Box. This product is packed with new technology, features and accessories, making it ideal for both the traveller and standard in home installation. 1TB PVR model also available.
See official website for Altech UEC DSD-4921 RV and DSD-4921 RV PVR
SatKing DVBS2-800CA
The DVBS2-800CA is a PVR capable VAST satellite decoder straight out of the box. Capable of both 12V and 240 Volt operation. Smaller in size than any current VAST box on the market. Allows the connection of an external infra-red remote control sensor (not included - optional extra).
See official website for SatKing DVBS2-800CA
*NEW 2018* SatKing DVBS2-980CA
The DVBS2-980CA is Australia's first VAST and Freeview Plus certified satellite TV receiver. It connects to the internet so you can enjoy Freeview Plus catch-up TV. Connect an external hard disk drive (up to 3TB) and take advantage of twin tuner recording (record 2 channels and watch a 3rd at the same time)
See official website for SatKing DVBS2-980CA
Humax HDR-1003S (obsolete)
The HDR-1003S is a top-of-the-line dual-tuner PVR with a 500GB hard drive. It enables you to record two programs at once while watch a recording. It can access YouTube, ABC iView, SBS On Demand via the internet and content from your local network and USB hard drives.
See official website for Humax HDR-1003S
Altech UEC DSR-4639 (obsolete)
The DSR-4639 is a high-definition PVR set-top box and is specifically designed for the Australian VAST service delivering industry leading quality and performance at market leading pricing. It has a dual-tuner, 500GB hard drive and has Episode Chain Recording (ECR) for recording entire series.
See official website for Altech UEC DSR-4639
Altech UEC DSR-4639 1TB
The DSR-4639 1TB is a high-definition PVR set-top box and is specifically designed for the Australian VAST service delivering industry leading quality and performance at market leading pricing. It has a dual-tuner, 1TB hard drive and has Episode Chain Recording (ECR) for recording entire series.
See official website for Altech UEC DSR-4639 1TB
Altech UEC 32" Integrated LED/LCD TV (obsolete)
Includes a built-in VAST satellite tuner and a DVB-T terrestrial tuner. Ideal product as a second TV in a home or even as a TV for large motor home. Including 2 x HDMI, VGA, component video, composite video and coaxial audio out for digital audio. PVR ready.
See official website for Altech UEC 32" Integrated LED/LCD TV
Altech UEC 22" Integrated Full HD LED/LCD TV
Includes a built-in VAST satellite tuner and a DVB-T terrestrial tuner. Ideal product as a second TV in a home and is compact enough for the traveller. Including 2 x HDMI, VGA, component video, composite video and coaxial audio out for digital audio. PVR ready.
See official website for Altech UEC 22" Integrated Full HD LED/LCD TV