An announcement today by the New Zealand government states that free-to-air digital TV is to begin roll-out next year. This will of course have many ramifications for those in the independent television and film sector. On the one hand digital TV could provide a great channel for niche programming. Then again it could just provide a dumping ground for programming that television channels are obliged to carry such as arts programming, or documentary. How it will unravel is still a mystery but check out what some local commentators have been saying about the possibilities for convergence technology.

Nigel Horrocks, editor of the Net Guide talks to Kathryn Ryan in the Technology slot on National Radio answering as many questions as he can. He recommends checking out the UK's Free View to give you some idea of how it works. Also check out Russell Brown in Unlimited. Read on for the Beehive Press Release and to hear what The Green Party think.

Image: Diagram of satellite tracking the earth on SaVi a satellite constellation visualisation.An announcement today by the New Zealand government states that free-to-air digital TV is to begin roll-out next year. This will of course have many ramifications for those in the independent television and film sector. On the one hand digital TV could provide a great channel for niche programming. Then again it could just provide a dumping ground for programming that television channels are obliged to carry such as arts programming, or documentary. How it will unravel is still a mystery but check out what some local commentators have been saying about the possibilities for convergence technology.

Nigel Horrocks, editor of the Net Guide talks to Kathryn Ryan in the Technology slot on National Radio answering as many questions as he can. He recommends checking out the UK's Free View to give you some idea of how it works. Also check out Russell Brown in Unlimited. Read on for the Beehive Press Release and to hear what The Green Party think.

Image: Diagram of satellite tracking the earth on SaVi a satellite constellation visualisation.Free-to-air digital TV to begin roll-out next year

Government decisions announced today pave the way for free-to-air digital television to begin transmission during 2007, says Broadcasting Minister Steve Maharey.

Plans for the new service have been developed by Freeview, a consortium of New Zealand's free to air broadcasters, including Television New Zealand, CanWest, Maori TV, Trackside and Radio New Zealand.

New Zealanders will be able to access FreeView digital TV through a set-top box, with programmes broadcast through a combination of terrestrial (land-based) and satellite services (requiring a satellite dish). Terrestrial will provide around 75 percent of coverage once the first phase of the service is fully rolled out. Set-top boxes are expected to retail at $200 initially.

Satellite is expected to begin early next year, with progressive rollout of terrestrial services to follow, and eventual switch-off of analogue anticipated in 6-10 years.

Steve Maharey says the move to digital television is essential to securing the future viability of free-to-air broadcasting in New Zealand. "The Labour-led government wants to ensure all New Zealanders are able to enjoy the benefits of digital television, and that public broadcasting remains a strong part of the free-to-air mix.

"Now that we have established a way forward, the government is keen to see the industry roll out digital as rapidly as possible.

"Digital TV will mean better pictures and sound, more content to choose from, crystal clear reception, and the scarcely tapped potential of interactive TV. Programmes available on analogue will be broadcast on digital, along with the progressive introduction of new content and services as broadcasters develop them.

"Switching to digital will also benefit our economy and ensure New Zealand is not left behind in the worldwide shift to this technology."

Steve Maharey said the findings of an independent study reinforced the need to move ahead now with the shift to digital. "As well as highlighting the considerable benefits to New Zealand, including a net financial benefit of around $230 million, the study reinforces the risks of delaying the switch to digital. The issue now is not whether to go digital, but whether we are getting there soon enough.

Steve Maharey said the government is prepared to provide up to $25 million over five years to assist with establishment of Freeview, with the bulk of costs to be met by broadcasters.

Broadcasters will also have free access to digital frequencies during the transition to digital, estimated to be worth up to $10 million. Freeview will operate on a non-profit basis during this period, with open access for new services.

Digital TV good news but funding for local content essential

The announcement of free-to-air digital television in New Zealand is being welcomed by the Green Party for the great opportunity it provides explore ad-free, genuinely public broadcasting, but concerns remain about the impact on local content and potential costs for consumers.

"Digital television will spawn a plethora of new channels, and there is a serious concern that New Zealanders will be swamped with overseas television," Green Party Broadcasting Spokesperson Sue Kedgley says.

"The government is investing $25 million in direct costs to upgrade the infrastructure to enable a free to air digital television service, and this should be matched with increased funding for local programmes.

"As the number of free to air channels increases (and the government expects there will be at least 20 new free to air digital channels on top of the existing 50 Sky channels) it is essential that there is a substantial increase in funding for local content, and quotas introduced for local content. We need to guarantee that television about New Zealanders, which reflects our society and contributes to our national identity, will still be available.

"This is why TVNZ needs to take this opportunity to differentiate itself from all these new channels by having a genuinely ad-free public service channel," Ms Kedgley says

The Green Party also has concerns about the cost of the new service to consumers, which requires the purchase of a new set top box and either a satellite dish or a UHF antennae.

"This will cost around $200 dollars and many New Zealanders will simply not be able to afford this," Ms Kedgley says.

"What will happen to those who have not been able to purchase a set box and make the change to digital before the analogue switch-off in 6 to 10 years time? It is essential that no one loses access because of the cost of the upgrade.

"We've been told that the cost is likely to go down, but if this doesn't happen, the Government should provide assistance to New Zealanders who cannot afford to buy the new equipment

"I am pleased that New Zealand is retaining the option of New Zealand based terrestrial infrastructure and not relying exclusively on satellite transmission owned by an overseas company. We wouldn't want to see our entire television network relying on an foreign-owned satellite," Ms Kedgley says.

For more information:

Sue Kedgley, MP, 04 470 6728, 021 270 9088
Holly Walker, Media Officer, 04 470 6723, 021 558 051