Freeview Welcomes Government Digital Switchover Date Announcement

Television viewers in all major New Zealand towns are set to benefit from the Government’s announcement today that digital switchover will take place in 2013.

That’s the message from Freeview, the free-to-air digital televison and radio broadcasting platform, which has welcomed the date set by Broadcasting Minister Dr. Jonathan Coleman and the Government’s intention to migrate all viewers from analogue to digital Television.

The extension of the Digital terrestrial network (DTT) , will increase Freeview|HD®, coverage from 75% of the population to about 87% meaning even more Kiwis will now be able to access the benefits of High Definition television for free.

“The launch of Freeview three years ago was the most significant broadcasting moment since the introduction of colour TV 30 years ago and since then we’ve grown swiftly, so much so that Freeview is now being enjoyed by viewers in more than a quarter of New Zealand homes (i.e. a total of 419,945 or 26.1 % of Kiwi households as at June 30th, 2010). Importantly, with Freeview and a one off purchase, all New Zealanders can continue to get great Televison for free ,” says Sam Irvine, General Manager, Freeview.

“Today’s announcement also means a further year of funding for Freeview, more efficient use of spectrum and the availability of new technologies, all of which will enable us to continue providing the Kiwi viewing public with a compelling free-to-air offer,” he adds.

ENDS

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