Media Statement: Formation and Role of the Digital Switchover Steering Group

The Digital Switchover Steering Group has been established to manage the transition from analogue to digital transmission of broadcasting signals. Central to this role is recommending a firm date for the switch and informing the public about what they need to do to be ready. A date for the change will be announced when digital television uptake has reached 75% or by 2012, whichever happens first.

The world is going digital and New Zealand is following suit. Earlier this year the United States made the change and switchover is underway in the UK, region by region. Next year, Australia begins the process. It’s important for New Zealand to start planning for the change now too, so that everyone knows what they need to do to be ready.

“Digital TV isn’t new. Well over half the households in New Zealand have already made the switch and are watching programmes from SKY or Freeview.” said Anna Verboeket, the Executive Director of the steering group.

Digital TV offers improved sound and picture quality and a greater choice of channels, as well as the potential for interactive functions. It also enables personal video recorders with which you can pause and rewind programmes as shows are being broadcast.

“The plan to switch off analogue signals means the rest of New Zealand will need to move to digital TV too. As those who watch digital TV already know, people will need new equipment to make things work. We’ll provide clear public information to tell people exactly what they need to do to get set up.” Anna said.

“The Steering Group has been established to make sure that the process goes smoothly and easily for everyone.”

As the project gets under way, we’ll be setting up a dialogue with stakeholders to get their input into the plans for change.

“We will use robust mechanisms to monitor take-up of digital TV and this will inform our recommendations to government on a switchover date. We’ll ensure there’s technical co-ordination between the network, the broadcasters and equipment providers. And as we’ve said, at the heart of this will be a campaign providing clear, easy to understand information to prepare all viewers for the move to digital.”

“The good thing is, we’re well placed here for the switchover. New Zealanders tend to be early adopters of new technology and take-up here has been strong and ahead of forecasts. Clearly digital TV offers a great new viewing experience which millions of New Zealanders already enjoy. Over the next few years, those who haven’t already done so will need to start thinking about making the change to digital too.”

ENDS

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