Freeview viewers may need to retune their TV or set-top box when the broadcast frequencies change in the Christchurch region on Tuesday 24 July.

The changes only affect Freeview terrestrial viewers who receive signals from the Sugarloaf transmitter. They will not affect Sky subscribers, analogue TV viewers, TelstraClear cable TV or Freeview satellite TV viewers.

The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment’s Radio Spectrum Policy and Planning Manager Len Starling said: “Affected viewers will see a message pop up on their TV screens this week, prompting them to retune when the frequencies change. Retuning can be done simply using the remote control.”

“Those who watch Freeview TV and share an aerial with others, such as in an apartment building or retirement village, should contact their property manager for advice on whether their installation requires any modification.”

Managers of apartments, hotels or motels are advised to talk to an installer prior to the frequencies being changed, to see if any technical adjustments are needed.

The channel frequencies are changing to ensure that New Zealand’s radio spectrum is freed up for other uses and emerging technologies.

HOW TO RETUNE

1. Switch on your Freeview TV or set-top box and press 'menu' on the remote control. Select the 'setup' or 'installation' option.

2. Select ‘full retuning’, 'digital auto tuning' or similar (some equipment may require you to select ‘first time installation’, 'factory reset' or 'default settings').

3. Your existing frequencies will be deleted and automatically replaced. This may take a few minutes and your equipment may shut down and restart.

4. Check that you can receive all of your normal Freeview channels.

Helpful advice on retuning is also available on the Ministry website, www.retune.co.nz . Alternatively, people can call the Radio Spectrum Management free helpline on 0508 336 633 if they have any problems retuning their TV or set-top box.