Information

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

Most 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
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
ABC Kids/Family SE
Ch 22, EDST
ABC Kids/Family
Ch 22, EST
ABC Kids/
Family WA
Ch 22, WST
ABC Entertains SE
Ch 23, EDST
ABC Entertains
Ch 23, EST
ABC Entertains WA
Ch 23, WST
ABC NEWS
Ch 24, EDST
ABC National
Ch 299, EDST
SBS HD SE
Ch 3/30, EDST
SBS HD QLD/NT
Ch 3/30, EST
SBS HD WA
Ch 3/30, WST
SBS2 SE
Ch 31, EDST
SBS2 QLD&NT
Ch 31, EST
SBS2 WA
Ch 31, WST
SBS World Movies
Ch 32, EDST
SBS Food
Ch 33, EDST
NITV HD
Ch 34, EDST
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
7HD Regional WA
Ch 6/60/61, WST
7TWO Central - South
Ch 72, EDST
7TWO Central - North
Ch 72, EST
7two Regional WA
Ch 62, WST
7mate Central
Ch 70, EDST
7mateHD
Regional WA
Ch 64, WST
-
TVSN
Ch 67, EDST
-
RACING.COM
Ch 68, EDST
Imparja South
Ch 9/91, EDST
Imparja North
Ch 9/91, EST
9HD
Ch 8/80, WST
GEM
Ch 90, EDST
9Gem
Ch 82, WST
GO! South
Ch 99, EDST
GO! North
Ch 99, EST
9Go!
Ch 83, WST
-
9Life
Ch 85, WST
10 Central - South
Ch 10, EDST
10 Central - North
Ch 10, EST
10HD
Ch 50, WST
10 drama
Ch 1, EDST
10Bold
Ch 5, WST
10 comedy - South
Ch 11, EDST
10 comedy - North
Ch 11, EST
10Peach
Ch 55, WST
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;

  1. If you search for your address, or the map’s pin is dragged directly on to your address, and the Satellite Summary eligibility section indicates that you are entitled to receive VAST;
  2. If you simply want to access the ABC and SBS channels, and not the commercial channels;
  3. If you are travelling through remote Australia and only seeking temporary access to VAST.

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.

MSat DSD 6000 New 2026

Designed by the original engineering team behind Altech UEC. Rugged, durable, stable software and hardware, and features you'd expect like a twin tuner and dual 12 volt/240 volt operation.

Product Website User Manual

SatKing DVBS2-1000CA New 2026

A PVR-ready set-top box that's fully designed in Australia. Catch-up TV apps built-in. Twin tuners and a hard drive capacity of 3TB. 12 volt and 240 volt operation.

Product Website User Manual

UEC DSD 5000

The DSD 5000's small size and low power consumption is perfect for caravans and homes. It is PVR ready, just plug in a compatible USB drive and record. Dual 12V/240V power pack included.

Product Website User Manual

Altech UEC DSD 4901 PVR

This set-top boasts a whopping 10 tuners allowing for the recording of 10 programs at a time. Features an internal 1.5TB hard drive, bluetooth remote and 4K Ultra HD ready.

Product Website User Manual

SatKing DVBS2-980CA

Australia's first VAST and Freeview Plus certified satellite TV receiver. It connects to the internet so you can enjoy catch-up TV. Connect an external hard drive and use the twin tuner to record 2 channels and watch a 3rd at the same time.

Product Website User Manual

Altech UEC DSD 4921 RV PVR Obsolete

The same great features as the DSD 4921 RV, but with 500GB recording storage. The twin tuner allows you to watch one event whilst recording another and is fully integrated with the EPG for easy setup for recordings.

Product Website User Manual

Altech UEC DSD 4921 RV Obsolete

The "Next Generation" VAST Certified, twin tuner, high definition satellite TV receiver. Includes the TV Portal for catch-up TV over the internet, front display for easy channel navigation and support for an IR extender (sold separately).

Product Website User Manual

Altech UEC DSR 4639 1TB Obsolete

The same features as the DSR 4639 but with a generous 1TB hard drive for extended recording capacity. Contained within a new sleeker, low profile set-top box design.

Product Website User Manual

Altech UEC DSR 4639 Obsolete

A high-definition dual-tuner PVR set-top box with a 500GB hard drive and the Episode Chain Recording (ECR) feature, allowing one-touch recording of entire TV series.

Product Website User Manual

Altech UEC DSD 4121 RV Obsolete

A high-definition set-top box delivering industry leading quality and performance. Includes external 12 volt DC power supply for travellers. PVR extension kit sold separately.

Product Website User Manual

SatKing DVBS2-800CA Obsolete

SatKing's first VAST Certified receiver. The DVBS2-800CA is PVR capable straight out of the box. Includes both 12 volt and 240 volt adapters, as well as an IR extender port for discreet installation (IR receiver sold separately)

Product Website User Manual

Humax HDR-1003S Obsolete

A top-of-the-line dual-tuner PVR with 500GB capacity. It enables you to record 2 programs at once while watch a recording. Ethernet connectivity lets you watch catch-up TV, YouTube, as well as videos over your local network.

Product Website User Manual

Altech UEC DSD 4121 Obsolete

The first set-top box specifically designed for VAST. Employs a new generation STi7111 microprocessor for quick operation. It can be upgraded to a PVR with the purchase of an extension kit sold separately.

Product Website User Manual

Altech UEC 32" Integrated TV Obsolete

Includes a built-in VAST satellite tuner and a DVB-T terrestrial tuner. Ideal for motorhomes and caravans. Includes all of the necessary cables as well as PVR functionality when plugging in a hard-drive.

Product Website User Manual

Altech UEC 22" Integrated Full HD TV Obsolete

Includes a built-in VAST satellite tuner and a DVB-T terrestrial tuner. Ideal for motorhomes and caravans. Includes all of the necessary cables as well as PVR functionality when plugging in a hard-drive.

Product Website User Manual