Why Choose VAST TV – Free TV!

VAST (Viewer Access Satellite Television) is a free-to-air satellite TV service in Australia, designed primarily for viewers in remote areas or those unable to receive adequate terrestrial TV signals. It provides access to a range of digital television and radio channels, including:

National Broadcasters:

  • ABC TV channels from all states and territories (including ABC HD, ABC Kids/Family, ABC Entertains/Comedy, ABC ME, ABC News).
  • SBS TV channels from all states and territories (including SBS HD, SBS VICELAND, SBS World Movies, SBS Food, NITV, SBS WorldWatch).

Commercial Networks (depending on your designated zone):

  • Regional Central and Eastern Australia: Channels from Seven Central (including 7TWO and 7mate), Imparja Television (with WIN programming), GEM, GO!, 10 Central (including 10 BOLD and 10 Peach), and ONE HD.
  • Regional and Remote Western Australia: Channels from Seven Regional WA (including 7TWO and 7mateHD), WIN Television (including 9Gem, 9Go!, and 9Life), and 10HD (including 10Bold and 10Peach).

Other Channels:

  • TVSN (shopping channel).
  • RACING.COM.
  • Various religious channels (e.g., GOD TV, TBN Pacific, etc.).
  • Indigenous Community Television (ICTV) in certain areas.

Radio Services:

  • Most ABC and SBS radio channels.
  • Various niche radio channels (e.g., Faith FM, Radio TAB).
  • Community radio channels from regional areas.

Regional News: Dedicated local news channels exclusive to VAST, varying by region.

Note: The specific commercial channels available depend on the VAST zone your receiver is registered to (either the South/East zone or the West zone). The ABC and SBS channels are generally available nationwide.

Cost Savings of VAST TV vs. Streaming Services

VAST TV is a free-to-air service, meaning there are no ongoing subscription costs once you have purchased and installed the necessary equipment (satellite dish and VAST-certified receiver).

Let’s compare this to the cost of subscribing to three to four streaming services in Australia.

  • Netflix: Basic with ads from $6.99, Standard from $16.99, Premium from $22.99.
  • Stan: Basic from $10, Standard from $16, Premium from $21.
  • Disney+: $13.99.
  • Binge: Basic from $10, Standard from $18, Premium from $22.
  • Amazon Prime Video: $9.99 per month or $79 per year (includes other Prime benefits).

Estimating the cost of three to four streaming services:

Let’s consider a scenario where a household subscribes to Netflix Standard ($16.99), Stan Standard ($16), and Disney+ ($13.99). The total monthly cost would be: $16.99 + $16 + $13.99 = $46.98 per month

Over a year, this would amount to: $46.98 x 12 = $563.76 per year

If the household added a fourth streaming service, such as Binge Standard ($18 per month), the monthly cost would rise to: $46.98 + $18 = $64.98 per month

And the annual cost would be: $64.98 x 12 = $779.76 per year

Cost Savings with VAST TV:

Since VAST TV has no ongoing subscription fees, the annual cost is $0.

Therefore, by choosing to watch VAST free-to-air satellite TV instead of paying for three to four streaming services, the estimated annual cost savings would be:

  • Against three streaming services: Approximately $563.76 per year savings.
  • Against four streaming services: Approximately $779.76 per year savings.

In summary: VAST TV offers a wide range of free-to-air channels, including national and commercial networks, as well as radio services. While there is an initial cost for equipment and installation, there are no ongoing subscription fees. In contrast, subscribing to three to four streaming services in Australia can cost between approximately $560 to $780 per year (based on the example above), highlighting the significant cost savings achievable by utilizing VAST TV for your free-to-air viewing needs.

Can I Get VAST TV

Accessing VAST TV is as simple as purchasing a VAST certified satellite set-top box. Access to VAST is controlled by the smart card supplied with your satellite set-top box.

Once you have purchased your Satellite set-top box you will need to register your details including your address, reception location, and smart card number.

To see if VAST is available to you click here. You can register for a VAST service by going here.

IMPORTANT – the unique smart card and set-top box are matched at the factory level. Smart cards cannot be swapped or used in multiple boxes.

“John assisted me promptly with an issue I was having and was extremely knowledgeable and helpful. Highly recommended.”

Tracy M.

What Gear Do I Need for VAST?

Your best bet is to grab one of our satellite kits. Here is the one that works in 80% of cases. It assumes you have a TV. If you have some components already scroll down to check our other satellite dish kits.

Satellite Kits For Watching VAST Free to Air TV

Satellite Kit Small

Satellite Kit Home Small

This 4 piece kit is great if you have your own decoder already. What’s in the box?

  • 80cm Quality pressed dish
  • LNB Mounting arm and clamp
  • Dual polarity twin output LNB
  • Heavy-duty quality portable tripod
  • All screws nuts and bits
  • RG6 Quad shield Foxtel-approved cable
  • 1 x f to f (swivel) test lead for alignment
  • TV Wall plate
$ 249.00 inc GST

This 4 piece kit is great if you have your own decoder already. What’s in the box?

  • 80cm Quality pressed dish
  • LNB Mounting arm and clamp
  • Dual polarity twin output LNB
  • Heavy-duty quality portable tripod
  • All screws nuts and bits
  • RG6 Quad shield Foxtel-approved cable
  • 1 x f to f (swivel) test lead for alignment
  • TV Wall plate
Select options
Satellite Kit Small

Satellite Kit Portable Small – Caravan Camper or Travel

This 4 piece kit is great if you have your own decoder already. What’s in the box?

  • 80cm Quality pressed dish
  • LNB Mounting arm and clamp
  • Dual polarity twin output LNB
  • Heavy-duty quality portable tripod
  • All screws nuts and bits
  • RG6 Quad shield Foxtel-approved cable
  • 1 x f to f (swivel) test lead for alignment
  • TV Wall plate
From $ 249.00

This 4 piece kit is great if you have your own decoder already. What’s in the box?

  • 80cm Quality pressed dish
  • LNB Mounting arm and clamp
  • Dual polarity twin output LNB
  • Heavy-duty quality portable tripod
  • All screws nuts and bits
  • RG6 Quad shield Foxtel-approved cable
  • 1 x f to f (swivel) test lead for alignment
  • TV Wall plate
Select options
Satellite kit medium

Satellite Kit Portable Medium – Caravan Camper or Travel

This 5 piece kit includes the basics and a satellite signal meter for getting perfect dish alignment. You will need your own decoder to watch FOX/VAST. What’s in the box?

  • 80cm quality pressed dish
  • LNB mounting arm and clamp
  • Dual polarity twin output LNB
  • Heavy-duty quality portable tripod
  • All screws nuts and bits
  • Satlink WS-6927 Simple Satellite Signal Meter
  • RG6 Quad shield Foxtel-approved cable
  • 1 x f to f (swivel) test lead for alignment
  • TV Wall plate
From $ 379.00

This 5 piece kit includes the basics and a satellite signal meter for getting perfect dish alignment. You will need your own decoder to watch FOX/VAST. What’s in the box?

  • 80cm quality pressed dish
  • LNB mounting arm and clamp
  • Dual polarity twin output LNB
  • Heavy-duty quality portable tripod
  • All screws nuts and bits
  • Satlink WS-6927 Simple Satellite Signal Meter
  • RG6 Quad shield Foxtel-approved cable
  • 1 x f to f (swivel) test lead for alignment
  • TV Wall plate
Select options
Portable satellite kit

Satellite Kit Portable Large – Caravan Camper or Travel

This 6 piece kits is everything you need to get started. You will be able to view VAST after setup. The VAST Satellite Dish Portable Kit from The Antenna Company is a versatile and high-quality solution for receiving Foxtel (with your own Foxtel decoder) and VAST TV satellite services. Here are the major components included in the Vast Satellite Kit Portable Large:

  • 80cm Satellite dish
  • High gain dual polarity LNB
  • Portable travel mount
  • VAST Satellite Receiver ALTECH DSD 5000 RV Twin Tuner
  • RG6 Quad Cable
  • Satlink WS-6927 digital satellite Finder
  • Wall Plate

With this kit you need to choose the length of cable required and also if you need a wallplate.

From $ 675.00

This 6 piece kits is everything you need to get started. You will be able to view VAST after setup. The VAST Satellite Dish Portable Kit from The Antenna Company is a versatile and high-quality solution for receiving Foxtel (with your own Foxtel decoder) and VAST TV satellite services. Here are the major components included in the Vast Satellite Kit Portable Large:

  • 80cm Satellite dish
  • High gain dual polarity LNB
  • Portable travel mount
  • VAST Satellite Receiver ALTECH DSD 5000 RV Twin Tuner
  • RG6 Quad Cable
  • Satlink WS-6927 digital satellite Finder
  • Wall Plate

With this kit you need to choose the length of cable required and also if you need a wallplate.

Select options

Satellite Kit Portable Extra Large + TV

This 7 piece kit includes a semi portable TV, it is everything you need to get started. You will be able to view VAST after setup. The VAST Satellite Dish Portable Kit from The Antenna Company is a versatile and high-quality solution for receiving Foxtel (with your own Foxtel decoder) and VAST TV satellite services. Here are the major components included in the Vast Satellite Kit Portable Large:

  • UEC 24 Inch Smart TV for Caravans 12v DC + 240v AC
  • 80cm Satellite dish
  • High gain dual polarity LNB
  • Portable travel mount
  • VAST Satellite Receiver ALTECH DSD 5000 RV Twin Tuner
  • RG6 Quad Cable
  • Satlink WS-6927 digital satellite Finder
  • Wall Plate

With this kit you need to choose the length of cable required and also if you need a wallplate.

From $ 924.00

This 7 piece kit includes a semi portable TV, it is everything you need to get started. You will be able to view VAST after setup. The VAST Satellite Dish Portable Kit from The Antenna Company is a versatile and high-quality solution for receiving Foxtel (with your own Foxtel decoder) and VAST TV satellite services. Here are the major components included in the Vast Satellite Kit Portable Large:

  • UEC 24 Inch Smart TV for Caravans 12v DC + 240v AC
  • 80cm Satellite dish
  • High gain dual polarity LNB
  • Portable travel mount
  • VAST Satellite Receiver ALTECH DSD 5000 RV Twin Tuner
  • RG6 Quad Cable
  • Satlink WS-6927 digital satellite Finder
  • Wall Plate

With this kit you need to choose the length of cable required and also if you need a wallplate.

Select options

VAST TV Dishes & Receivers

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VAST TV Frequently Asked Questions

Why choose us?

We have 44 five star reviews on google (at the time of writing).

Can anyone get VAST?

Access to Commercial TV services is subject to an eligibility test that takes into account commercial television licence areas and availability of conventional terrestrial television services at your location.

Check that you are eligble for VAST here.

How do I get the right satellite dish?

The best way is to give us a call on 0490 777 033.

To access VAST you will need a satellite set top box and a satellite dish of at least 65cm diameter. Contact us to determine the best dish size for your specific location.

When should I use a booster?

Masthead amplifiers (MHA) or distribution amplifiers often called ‘signal boosters’ are not an integral part of what we call ‘optimized television receiving installation’. They should be installed only if necessary. These kinds of devices can cause reception difficulties and even interfere with your neighbours’ TV reception, so do your research before using them.

An MHA or ‘booster’ should only be used in areas where television signals are very weak because of intervening terrain, vegetation and buildings, or due to the distance between the broadcast transmitter and television antenna. An MHA is typically installed next to your TV antenna.

A distribution amplifier is used to distribute the signal to several television receivers. Unlike an MHA, a distribution amplifier is installed within the building in which it operates, usually within the roof area. Distribution amplifiers can be used in houses with multiple TV sets, hotels, motels, blocks of units and similar high-occupancy buildings.

If your local expert determines that a masthead or distribution amplifier is necessary to provide enough signal level to your television receivers, we strongly advise that you ask her or him to install an amplifier with a built-in filter or to install a filter in front of the amp. This will limit the potential impact of mobile broadband signals on your television reception.

What is polarisation?

Television signals are transmitted either horizontally (H) or vertically (V). This is called ‘signal polarisation’. Your antenna should be installed so that its elements match the signal polarization – that is, antenna elements should be mounted horizontally to receive horizontally polarised TV signals and vice versa.

Signal polarisation is also location-specific, l thoroughly check for any polarisation before installing your antenna.

Is it safe to install my own satellite dish?

Climbing on the roof is extremely dangerous, so contact the experts to make sure your satellite is safely and correctly installed.

Your satellite dish should be mounted outdoors, up to five meters high for urban and suburban areas and up to 10 metres high for some rural areas or areas with marginal coverage, pointing towards the TV tower that provides the best television coverage for your area.

The signal level may vary significantly for different locations on your roof. Your satellite installer should be able to do a site survey and find the best place for your antenna on your roof, free of local clutter (big trees and surrounding building) and other domestic signal obstacles.

If you’re replacing your antenna, don’t assume the best spot is an existing location/pole. The environment may have changed due to mature trees and new buildings. A fresh site survey for good signal strength and a quality signal may be necessary but remember that this is a job best left to the experts!

What is the best cable to use?

For good TV reception, you should use so-called ‘quad-shield coaxial cable’ (type RG6) with ‘F’ type connectors. Quad-shield cable provides better shielding against noise and external interference than single- or dual-shield cables.

Fly leads, which are used to connect wall outlet plates to either the set-top box or TV, are the weakest link in the antenna installation.

Quad-shield fly leads provide superior performance compared to other types. You should take care to maintain adequate clearance (at least 50 mm) from AC mains power cabling and leads to minimising induction of impulse noise. Excessive bending and long fly leads can also cause problems for TV reception. It’s best to use custom-made fly leads rather than connecting two or more leads.

Sometimes you need to use ‘splitters’ to divide the signal from the antenna so that two or more TV receivers can operate efficiently from one antenna system. But be careful—using a splitter can mean some loss of signal.

What types of satellite dishes should I avoid?

The satellite dish must have a diameter of at least 65cm and be VAST certified. It is best to talk to an expert on whether a satellite will work in your area.