Freeview NZ to use DVB-I

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#3493262 18-May-2026 10:22

Behodar:

davidcole:

So is DVB-I hardware? Or could an existing TV get support for it via firmware upgrade?

Or could I view it on a PC with the right software?

Edit: after a bit of searching, it looks like DVB-I is just a glorified TV guide.

must be more than that, I'd assume it's a bit like DVB-T/DVB-S but the "tuning parameters" will be some urls to get the video stream. And yes an EPG component as well

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wellygary

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#3493268 18-May-2026 10:34

"There is no doubt we love streaming live TV, and Freeview NextGen makes this simpler than ever"

So I can't actually choose the programmes??, Its just another way to deliver a product that is rapidly becoming obsolete,

Live linear TV is a dying horse, the content that people want is now being served up on apps that allow consumers to stream what they want when they want it...

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#3493269 18-May-2026 10:37

I disagree, just being able to run something on and it just goes with whatever is there, still hold some appeal in situations (fm radio etc).

No faffing about goign to this app and that app, and choosing what to watch. i dont want to do that all day every day, but do use that option.

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#3493276 18-May-2026 10:52

In addition to a TV having DVB-T (terrestrial) and DVB-S (satellite) sources, DVB-I (internet) is another source.

DVB-I is not "streaming" as in it's linear, just like if you are watching a TV show on a TV with an antenna plugged to it.

It's more than just a guide.

The TV needs to support it, just like a TV needs to support DVB-T or DVB-S.

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#3493287 18-May-2026 11:29

So will there be any DVB-I boxes, like Android boxes, that just use the TV as a dumb display panel?

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#3493288 18-May-2026 11:36

Rikkitic:

So will there be any DVB-I boxes, like Android boxes, that just use the TV as a dumb display panel?

It could exist, like the old SKY boxes used to connect to the satellite antenna.

But it all seems to indicate DVB-I will be an integral part of the TV, like DVB-T is.

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#3493313 18-May-2026 12:26

So is DVB-I like the Samsung-TV-Plus that comes installed on Samsung TVs?

Mike

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#3493314 18-May-2026 12:28

Does it really mean anything more than those brand TVs will be the first to ship with the app. I mean what can't you get with integration that you can get from an app?

Edit: while acknowledging integration has all kinds of broadcaster and platform side advantages..

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#3493315 18-May-2026 12:31

I am very happy with my elderly Sony Bravia TV. 1080p meets my needs perfectly fine. I am not about to purchase a new TV just for this.

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#3493316 18-May-2026 12:33

MikeAqua:

So is DVB-I like the Samsung-TV-Plus that comes installed on Samsung TVs?

Not quite. Like Samsung TV it uses the internet to stream content to the TV.

Unlike Samsung TV, it's linked to the TV broadcast.

It's like opening the TVNZ+ app or browser page and streaming the live TV. The difference is that you won't need an app, as the TV itself will have the smarts for it, like it already has for the broadcast via aerials.

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#3493318 18-May-2026 12:35

Rikkitic:

I am very happy with my elderly Sony Bravia TV. 1080p meets my needs perfectly fine. I am not about to purchase a new TV just for this.

If you have Freeview terrestrial (as in you can get broadcast TV with an antenna), great.

If not, you can add a Fire TV stick, Google TV Streamer or Apple TV and just use the live streaming. Or if you buy a new TV it will be built-in, just like the antenna support already is.

Also, there is no mention of retiring the terrestria or satellite options.

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#3493381 18-May-2026 13:36

A big concern would be that its very likely to have DRM on it. There is fuss in the U.S at the moment with DRM being added to their newish ATSC3 standard.

Remember the fuss when Freeview started over "non Freeview Approved" devices

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#3493399 18-May-2026 14:08

Apsattv:

A big concern would be that its very likely to have DRM on it. There is fuss in the U.S at the moment with DRM being added to their newish ATSC3 standard.

Remember the fuss when Freeview started over "non Freeview Approved" devices

What would they be trying to protect? Most FTA content here is pretty boring.

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#3493407 18-May-2026 14:13

All content as dictated to by the content owners, including sports and future 4K offerings.

DVB-I is on demand stuff as well as Linear.

Rikkitic

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#3493408 18-May-2026 14:14

freitasm:

If you have Freeview terrestrial (as in you can get broadcast TV with an antenna), great.

If not, you can add a Fire TV stick, Google TV Streamer or Apple TV and just use the live streaming. Or if you buy a new TV it will be built-in, just like the antenna support already is.

Also, there is no mention of retiring the terrestria or satellite options.

I wish I could still get DVB-T. The wind twisted my antenna out of alignment, I am too feeble to fix it, and there is no way I am prepared to pay to have it done on my second story roof at my rural address with all the over the top OSH nonsense these days. So I now just have satellite and streaming, which works fine.

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