Customers Still Confused About HDTV

2 July, 2008

Customers Still Confused About Hdtv

High definition technology is on a TV screen near you, but some people are still confused about the difference between Freeview Digital TV and High Definition TV.

Appliance and electronic retailer, Noel Leeming says while there has been high interest in the new Freeview|HDTM high definition digital receivers, many people are still trying to understand the technology and how to receive high definition television. To help clarify and clear up any confusion, Dean Kippenberger, Noel Leeming’s television product manager offers his expert advice.

HDTV – This is the highest quality of digital television and gives you the best available picture. The technology behind HDTV is better than standard digital TV technology and with HDTV customers will enjoy the ultimate television viewing experience.

Freeview Digital TV and Radio –has changed the way television signals are broadcast. Freeview broadcasts New Zealand’s favourite programmes in crystal clear, digital quality, for free. The majority of Kiwis still view television programmes by the virtue of analogue transmission. With Freeview the viewing experience is enhanced by digital technology with clearer pictures and sound delivered in widescreen format, new digital only channels, and other digital benefits like an on screen electronic programme guide.

Noel Leeming Group CEO, Andrew Dutkiewicz says, “With the introduction of so much technology in a relatively short time period it is no wonder people are confused. Customers are unsure of what the best option is for them and what they need to view programmes in high definition.”

“At Noel Leeming we are making it as easy as possible for our customers to understand the technologies. Staff have been fully trained and are knowledgeable about the differences so that they can offer the best advice to suit our customers needs.”

“What is really great about the new high definition technology is that customers can experience HDTV in the majority of our stores. Customers will be able to compare and contrast HDTV and a non-HDTV so that they can see just how much clearer the picture is thanks to Freeview|HDTM. Although not all stores are HD ready due to locations, we are working hard to use the RF or Component systems so that customers will still be able to experience an enhanced picture.”

“Obviously the interest around high definition is rising with the Beijing Olympics fast approaching. The Games will be the first major sporting event that Kiwis can view in high definition, and I think for many people it is the next best thing to being in China,” he says. The Olympics will be screened in High Definition by TVONE only on Freeview|HDTM.

For those still not completely clear about high definition, Noel Leeming’s television product manager, Dean Kippenberger, has his top tips to help consumers understand what they need:

- Freeview satellite, broadcasts in standard definition and is available to 100% of New Zealand - all you need is a satellite dish and a Freeview digital satellite receiver - such as the Zinwell branded satellite receivers stocked at all Noel Leeming and Bond & Bond stores

- Freeview|HDTM is the terrestrial service which offers high definition pictures and surround sound. It’s broadcast using a digital signal from land based stations around New Zealand. The Freeview|HDTM service is available to 75% of New Zealand homes - it is not yet available to 100% of homes as not all land based broadcasting stations are upgraded to broadcast the high definition digital signal. See www.freeviewnz.tv to check your area

- All you need for the HD service is to be in one of the coverage areas, have a UHF aerial, a high definition ready flat panel TV with an HDMI cable input and a Freeview|HDTM digital terrestrial receiver - such as the Zinwell terrestrial receiver stocked in Noel Leeming and Bond & Bond stores. Be aware that traditional CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) style televisions are not able to display high definition pictures

ENDS