New Zealand is switching to digital television, giving consumers a better quality experience and more channels.
The change to digital television is part of a technology evolution. In television, we’ve moved from a single channel to several channels, from black and white to colour, and now from analogue to digital broadcasting.
Digital means a higher quality picture and better television reception in many areas of New Zealand; more television channels with more advanced features, more efficiently and at less overall cost.
The digital switchover announcement was made by Hon. Jonathan Coleman, former Minister of Broadcasting and Hon. Steven Joyce, former Minister for Communications and Information Technology on 16 September 2010.
Visit the Going Digital website at www.goingdigital.co.nz for more details.
When is your region switching?
From late 2012, New Zealand’s analogue television signal will be progressively switched off with the process completed by November 2013. The switchover will occur in five regions:
- Hawke’s Bay and the West Coast in September 2012
- rest of the South Island in April 2013
- lower North Island, Taranaki and Gisborne in September 2013
- rest of the North Island in November 2013.
Road shows will visit each region before they switch over and information will be readily available to help people switch over.
Frequently asked questions
Answers to frequently asked questions about the switchover can be found here.
More digital switchover resources
Freeview is New Zealand's free-to-air digital provider.
Sky TV is a pay-TV digital service.
TelstraClear offers digital pay-TV services in Auckland, Kapiti, Wellington and Christchurch.
What are the key things I need to know before the switchover?
If you haven’t already gone digital, you will need to first consider how you want to continue watching television after switchover. Most homes will have a terrestrial option, and every home will have a satellite option (either Free-to-air or subscription). Think about what you want, how many televisions you have, and whether you have a satellite dish or UHF aerial at present.
Almost any television can be converted with a digital set-box so there is no need to buy a new television unless you want to. After switchover, you will not be able to watch television on any set you've decided not to make ready for digital.
Depending on where you live, and how you already receive your television signals, you may also need a new aerial or satellite dish. Your local installer or appliance retailer should be able to give you some advice on this.
Frequently asked questions
If you have other questions about digital switchover, please email info@goingdigital.co.nz.
General Information
What are the benefits of switchover?
Why is the switchover happening now?
What’s the timeline for the switchover?
What is the cost to the taxpayer of the switchover?
How is television currently broadcast in New Zealand?
What will happen to the old analogue signal after the switchover?
Why were Hawke’s Bay and the West Coast chosen first to make the switch?
Does this mean I now have to pay for television?
What will I be able to watch after digital switchover?
What happens if I have SKY, Freeview or TelstraClear?
How do I go digital before the switchover?
Equipment
Do I need to re-tune my existing set top box or television for the switchover?
If so, how do I re-tune my equipment?
How much should a new roof aerial and satellite dish cost?
Can I install the equipment myself?
Does digital television equipment allow television networks to monitor my viewing habits?
When is the expansion of digital terrestrial transmission to occur?
Will my digital television equipment enable me to receive digital radio in New Zealand?
Where can I get further information?
Financial
How much do digital television products cost?
Will any financial assistance be provided to help people make the switch?
Will I be able to make the switch to digital myself?
Switchover
How will I know when my region is switching?
Will there be engineering works or disruption during the switchover?
Environmental
What about recycling old equipment?
My CRT TV is still in good working order, will I need to get rid of it?
How can I ensure my digital television is energy efficient?
Trouble-shooting
Will switchover affect my radio?
My television no longer works after switchover. What do I do?
Health
Are there any health risks for television watchers from a digital television signal?
Installers and retailers
How can I be sure the digital television installers are qualified and competent?
Communal Reception
What are the issues associated with communal television systems?
General Information
What is digital switchover?
Digital switchover is the move to completely digital television broadcasts, and the process of consumers making the changes necessary for them to be able to tune in to the digital signals. Digital television has been available in New Zealand for several years and offers viewers better pictures and more choice of channels. From late 2012, New Zealand’s older analogue television signals will be progressively switched off in favour of the digital signal with the process being completed by November 2013.
What are the benefits of switchover?
Digital television allows for the improved delivery of more television channels with more advanced features, more efficiently and at less overall cost.
Digital means higher quality wide screen pictures and better television reception in many areas of New Zealand.
Digital makes it possible to offer viewers greater choice of programmes, new features such as on-screen listings and interactivity, and enhancements such as improved audio description and subtitling for people with visual and audio impairments.
The change to digital television is part of a technology evolution. In television, we’ve moved from a single channel to several channels, from black and white to colour, and now from analogue to digital broadcasting.
Going digital will have economic benefits for New Zealand by freeing up radio spectrum which can be used for the next generation of mobile broadband services.
Why is the switchover happening now?
The process of switching to free-to-air digital television began in 2007 with commencement of digital transmissions from the Freeview satellite service. In 2008 Freeview launched its digital terrestrial television service, Freeview|HD. Now 70% of New Zealand homes have already switched at least one TV set to digital.
It is important to complete digital switchover by the end of 2013 as it will free up radio spectrum in the 700MHz range, which is ideal for next-generation mobile telecommunications services. These will ultimately support economic development by offering faster and cheaper mobile broadband services for New Zealanders.
Why 2013?
Various dates have been proposed or suggested over recent months, but no firm decisions have been made until now. Recent research indicates that around 70 per cent of New Zealanders have already made the switch to digital. It’s therefore feasible to complete switchover by the end of 2013, thus freeing up radio spectrum for new mobile telecommunications services and reducing the ongoing costs of simulcasting in both digital and analogue. The announcement on 16 September 2010 gives people and industry certainty, and a notice period of between 2-3 years so that they can begin planning for the change.
What’s the timeline for the switchover?
From late 2012, New Zealand’s analogue television signal will be progressively switched off with the process completed by November 2013. The switchover will occur in five regions:
- Hawke’s Bay and the West Coast in September 2012
- rest of the South Island in April 2013
- lower North Island, Taranaki and Gisborne in September 2013
- rest of the North Island in November 2013.
What is the cost to the taxpayer of the switchover?
The Government wants to make sure all New Zealanders are well-informed about the change and will fund a modest Digital Switchover (DSO) Programme Office and an comprehensive communications campaign. The Government is also providing funding of:
- up to $6.3 million to support the extension of the Freeview High Definition service, and
- $7.9 million in extending support for Freeview to help broadcasters meet the costs of simulcasting in analogue and digital up until DSO.
How is television currently broadcast in New Zealand?
New Zealand television is currently broadcast over a long established terrestrial analogue service, newer digital terrestrial and digital satellite services and some cable services. New Zealanders who are currently receiving television through an aerial, and who are not watching Freeview or SKY satellite, are receiving an analogue signal and will need to switch to digital.
What will happen to the old analogue signal after the switchover?
The old analogue signal will be switched off. The spectrum it was using will be freed up for other purposes such as wireless broadband and data, and a range of telecommunications services.
Why were Hawke’s Bay and the West Coast chosen first to make the switch?
The two regions offer a combination of terrestrial and satellite reception areas and satellite only areas. Viewers in Hawke’s Bay and the West Coast also have reasonably high levels of digital uptake already (around 81 per cent on the West Coast, and around 70 per cent in Hawke’s Bay) so are well set up to support others in their communities to get ready for digital.
Does this mean I now have to pay for television?
No. Free-to-air television will continue to be available after the switchover is completed. Freeview is the free-to-air digital replacement for free-to-air analogue television. If you wish to continue to get free-to-air television you don’t need to buy a new television but you may need some new equipment. Details on what you need can be found on the Freeview website: www.freeviewnz.tv
What will I be able to watch after digital switchover?
When the switch is made, you will need to get your television signal from either Freeview (which is free to watch), SKY or TelstraClear (which are pay-television services).
What happens if I have SKY, Freeview or TelstraClear?
If you’re already on Freeview, SKY or TelstraClear, then you’ve already made the switch and you don’t need to do anything, unless you have other televisions in your house that don’t yet receive a digital signal.
How do I go digital before the switchover?
If you haven’t already gone digital, you will need to first consider how you want to continue watching television after switchover. Most homes will have a terrestrial option, and every home will have a satellite option (either Free-to-air, or subscription). Think about what you want, how many televisions you have, and whether you have a satellite dish or UHF aerial at present.
Almost any television can be converted with a digital set-box so there is no need to buy a new television unless you want to. After switchover, you will not be able to watch television on any set you’ve decided not to make digital ready.
Depending on where you live, and how you already receive your television signals, you may also need a new aerial or satellite dish. Your local installer or appliance retailer should be able to give you some advice on this.
For further information contact:
- Freeview - http://www.freeviewnz.tv/ or 0800 FREEVIEW (0800 373384)
- Sky - http://www.skytv.co.nz/ or 0800 759 759
- TelstraClear - http://www.telstraclear.co.nz/residential/inhome/digital-tv/ or 0508 888 800
Does digital television help those requiring support such as the hard-of-hearing or visually impaired?
One of the benefits of digital television is that certain products and services provide special features, such as audio description and subtitling, for those with sight and hearing impairments. A consumer campaign was launched in November 2010 and as part of that we will be talking to groups that work with disabled people to let them know how they can be ready for digital switchover.
Equipment
What happens to my aerial?
If you’re in one of the areas that can receive a digital signal from terrestrial transmitters, then you can get Freeview using a UHF aerial. This Freeview high definition signal already covers 75 percent of New Zealand households. In these areas any rooftop UHF aerial, in good condition, is capable of receiving the digital Freeview service. As with analogue reception, use of “rabbits ears” can give poorer reception and may be unsuitable for digital television and may need to be replaced. For best results, consider having all your television sets connected to your rooftop aerial.
If you’re outside the main centres – or if you prefer satellite television – you will need to get your television via a satellite service such as Freeview satellite or SKY. You will need a satellite dish for this.
Regardless of whether you switch to using a UHF aerial or a satellite dish to receive digital television, you will no longer need a larger VHF aerial and you may wish to disconnect and remove this.
For further information on coverage areas contact:
- Freeview - http://www.freeviewnz.tv/ or 0800 FREEVIEW (0800 373384)
What if my aerial is shared?
If you live in an apartment building, it is likely that you receive your television signal via an aerial that you share with other apartments in your building. While the aerial itself may be adequate, there are sometimes amplifiers, filters and splitters that need to be reviewed to ensure they will allow you to switch to digital. The person who manages your building may need to take action to check and perhaps upgrade the shared system so that it is ready for the switch to digital television. This work is best done early, so that individual residents can switch their televisions when they are ready.
It is important that you speak to whoever is responsible for managing your building to make sure your building is ready for you to receive a digital television signal. This may be your landlord, property manager or managing agent or residents’ association. The person who manages your building may need to take action and upgrade or replace your shared aerial to make sure you can receive a digital signal.
Do I need to re-tune my existing set top box or television for the switchover?
As part of digital switchover, the frequencies on which some Freeview channels are broadcast will change. Most Freeview approved set-top boxes and televisions will automatically retune to the new frequencies.
No changes will be required for SKY or Telstra Clear customers.
If so, how do I re-tune my equipment?
Most set-top boxes will have a ‘scan’ or ‘retune’ option in their menu. This is exactly the same process that was needed when the box/receiver was first installed. If you need further information, check the manual that came with your equipment or contact Freeview on 0800 FREEVIEW.
How much should a new roof aerial and satellite dish cost?
This depends on the size of antenna and satellite dish, and whether you have them installed for you. Most UHF aerials retail for around $100 and satellite dishes cost around $200, however your local retailer or installer can recommend what aerial and satellite dish is best suited to your area.
Can I install the equipment myself?
It is possible to install the equipment required by yourself, however as with all DIY projects if you are unsure it might be best to get an expert to install it for you.
New Zealanders can choose from a wide choice of digital products, retailers and installers.
Does digital television equipment allow television networks to monitor my viewing habits?
No.
When is the expansion of digital terrestrial transmission to occur?
As part of the switchover process, Government agreed to help fund the extension of the terrestrial broadcasts of digital TV, allowing more people to receive free HD TV through Freeview’s UHF service. Discussions are underway now with the expectation that digital terrestrial transmissions in the expanded service area will be operating by mid 2011.
Will my digital television equipment enable me to receive digital radio in New Zealand?
Both Freeview and SKY offer a number of radio channels broadcast in digital, but of course this is only available through the television receiver. There are no other digital radio broadcast networks in New Zealand at present.
Where can I get further information?
If you want more information about free to air digital TV services contact:
- Freeview - http://www.freeviewnz.tv/ or 0800 FREEVIEW (0800 373384)
If you want more information about subscription based TV services contact:
- Sky - http://www.skytv.co.nz/ or 0800 759 759
- TelstraClear - http://www.telstraclear.co.nz/residential/inhome/digital-tv/ or 0508 888 800
What about my VCR?
If recording programmes is important to you, you will probably find it more convenient to explore the range of digital video recorders, such as MyFreeview or MySKY. These products offer a host of new recording capabilities and features – such as recording multiple channels simultaneously, letting you pause and rewind live television, and high definition recording – as well as being easy to use and requiring no additional equipment to continue working after the digital switchover.
Analogue VCRs can continue to be used when connected to a digital receiver, such as a Freeview set-top box, but cannot receive and record digital signals by themselves.
Financial
How much do digital television products cost?
Set-top boxes start from $150. Remember you don’t need a new television to make the switch to digital, but you may need some new equipment.
Will any financial assistance be provided to help people make the switch?
- The uptake of digital television has grown by five percent a year for the past two years despite limited publicity of the pending digital switchover. With an information campaign to be launched later this year, we expect the uptake level to grow.
- Overseas experience has shown there will be a proportion of the population in genuine need that will require government assistance to make the switch. We will be monitoring digital take-up rates closely.
- Details of on assistance package for those people who genuinely do not have the resources to make the switch were announced in January 2012.
What capabilities does digital television have that benefit the elderly and people with disabilities?
Certain products and services on digital television can provide special features for those with sight and hearing impairments such as audio descriptions and subtitling.
Will I be able to make the switch to digital myself?
You can make the switch yourself, but further information is available if you need it.
For further information contact:
- Freeview - http://www.freeviewnz.tv/ or 0800 FREEVIEW (0800 373384)
- Sky - http://www.skytv.co.nz/ or 0800 759 759
- TelstraClear - http://www.telstraclear.co.nz/residential/inhome/digital-tv/ or 0508 888 800
What about scams?
Any new product can be used as a target for scams and New Zealanders need to be aware of such scams and how to avoid them by ensuring you:
- Walk away from high-pressure sellers who tell you that you must make a decision right away.
- Don’t sign any contract or other paperwork until you’ve had a chance to read and understand it.
- Never disclose your bank account or credit card information to a stranger who calls or emails – even if it sounds official.
The equipment you need to be ready for digital switchover will be sold at retail outlets. If you suspect a scam please contact your nearest police station.
Switchover
How will I know when my region is switching?
There will be a comprehensive public information campaign in your region to help you know everything you’ll need to know about the digital switchover before your region switches. This will include the date of the switch.
Will there be engineering works or disruption during the switchover?
As part of the digital switchover, the frequencies on which some Freeview channels are broadcast will change. Most Freeview set-top boxes and televisions will automatically retune to the new frequencies. In a few cases consumers will need to push the ‘scan’ or ‘retune’ buttons on their equipment.
No changes will be required for SKY or Telstra Clear customers.
Environmental
What about recycling old equipment?
You don’t need to buy a new television to make the switch, but you may need some new equipment. Almost any television can be converted to digital with a digital set-top box.
If you want to buy a new television, and you’re not passing your old set onto friends or family, it’s a good idea to dispose of your old television responsibly. The display device in old televisions, known as the cathode ray tube (CRT), contains hazardous substances such as lead, and older models may contain barium that can harm the environment.
The best way to minimise environmental harm from the disposal of old TVs is to take your equipment to a waste transfer station or a reputable, specialist e-waste recycler.
For example, RCN (www.rcn.co.nz/ewaste) or Sims Recycling Solutions (http://apac.simsrecycling.com/contacts-and-locations/new-zealand), both based in Auckland, are two companies in New Zealand that specialise in recycling old TV sets. Old TVs are exported overseas where the component parts such as plastic, copper, aluminium, steel and printed circuit boards are recycled
My CRT TV is still in good working order, will I need to get rid of it?
No. Almost any TV can be converted with a digital set-box. If you are buying a new television, you can sell your old CRT television, give it away, or keep watching it by plugging in a set-top box
How can I ensure my digital television is energy efficient?
Whether you have Freeview, cable or satellite services, putting your equipment on standby, or switching it off when you're not using it will help to save energy.
Standby mode still uses energy but also allows equipment to receive any necessary updates overnight, or to record. The Energy Star scheme can provide you with advice and information on energy efficient products.
Trouble-shooting
Will switchover affect my radio?
Your radio equipment will not be affected by switchover.
My television no longer works after switchover. What do I do?
This will only occur if you have not successfully installed the equipment you need to receive digital television.
To watch digital television you do not need to buy a new television but will need to buy some new equipment, which can be purchased from television retailers.
Health
Are there any health risks for television watchers from a digital television signal?
There are no known health risks from digital television.
Installers and retailers
How can I be sure the digital television installers are qualified and competent?
Research shows that most New Zealanders are satisfied with the services they receive from television installers. Like any service though, it pays to ask about the experience and qualifications of the company you contact.
How I can be sure the retailers will give me the right advice and not try and sell me expensive equipment?
Consumers are protected under the Consumer Guarantees Act and the Fair Trading Act. If you believe an organisation has broken the Fair Trading Act, you can contact the Commerce Commission, which enforces the Act.
Communal reception
What are the issues associated with communal television systems?
There are various types of ‘communal’ television reception systems, in flats, retirement villages, apartments, motels, and the like. Some have amplifiers and filters and allow the addition of local programmes (DVD etc.) while others are simple passive components. It is desirable that communal television aerial systems are reviewed at an early date, to ensure that individual switchover can be done by everybody involved.
As with any shared facility, early discussion with all involved parties is important.
Some communal systems may be affected by the changes to the present Freeview high definition frequencies and the coverage extension, both of which are intended to occur in the first half of 2011.
