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So what do you need to watch TV come December 1st?
If you already have SkyTV or a freeview receiver than you are good to go, but if not what are your choices?
There are two types of free to air digital services, DVB-S (Digital Video Broadcast – Satellite) and DVB-T (Digital Video Broadcast – Terrestrial).
What this means is in the case of DVB-S is the signal comes from a Satellite – in this case Optus D1, and uses a satellite dish to receive signals.
DVB-T comes from your local TV transmitter and uses a UHF aerial. Those who don’t have sky but still have a satellite dish on your roof, all you need is a suitable DVB-S box. There are many different ones out there, some with recording capabilities.
Freeview DVB-S is not HD, unfortunately there isn’t the required bandwidth from the satellite to provide freeview HD broadcasts.
How does DVB-S work? Basically the Satellite transmits a signal to earth at a very high frequency, the LNB (low noise block) on the satellite dish converts that signal to a useable signal for the receiver, power to the LNB is sent from the satellite box to the LNB via the cable between the two. If you want 2 or more TV’s to receive a signal you need a few things, an additional satellite receiver per TV and a suitable signal splitter, this is where some people come unstuck, the signal splitter MUST be power pass type on at least one of the splitter legs so the power from one of the receiver boxes can be sent to the LNB. There are a few other things you will need to know such as the frequency the LNB operates at although some of the better receivers will automatically scan all possibilities for you while some won’t.
Will my “Freeview Approved TV” work with my satellite dish? - Short answer NO! there are not currently any TV’s been sold in the NZ market that will work with DVB-S service, a receiver box is required, this box can be used with modern new digital TV’s and most older analogue TV’s, typically they use standard RGB or composite video connections, some even have RF (standard analogue signal) out.
DVB-T, What is needed for this? Typically if you can get a good picture on your analogue TV of Prime and Maori TV then there should not be a problem receiving Freeview transmissions.
So a good quality outdoor UHF aerial is required, a TV with a Freeview digital receiver (you will typically need to set it to ‘Digital Channels’) or a suitable DVB-T receiver for older analogue TV’s. DVB-T supports HD broadcasts, some channels broadcast some content in HD. Again if you have multiple analogue TV’s a suitable good quality splitter will be required (A power pass splitter will be required if you have a mast head amplifier – that’s a small box near the UHF aerial to improve reception in fringe areas). If you have digital TV’s then extra boxes aren’t required.
What kind of box should I get? The main thing here is make sure it’s a box designed for the NZ market, the Australian/UK/US/Asian boxes (with one exception) will not work in NZ as we use a different compression codec to everywhere else and a different EPG format.
There are quite a number of different boxes available, some with recording capability, and multiple tuners so 2 or more channels can be recorded at once, some even support Ethernet/wifi connections so the recordings can be shared across multiple devices.
Most of the DVB-T boxes have HDMI connections so the HD content can get to the TV, along with that they will also have RGB or composite video out.
Now that you have invested in digital TV is your aerial and wiring up to scratch? Many houses have old co-axial type cable, it may look ok, but it may need replacing, the minimum standard for digital TV is RG-6 for both DVB-S and DVB-T.
It may be worthwhile upgrading you aerial cable and connection when you make the step to digital TV, The typical connector for this type of cable is called a ‘F’ connector Pictured here is a screw on type (it screws on to the cable) although there are quite a number of different types available including the crimp type.
Just remember getting your aerial system up to scratch is do-able by an experienced DIY’er, it will involve getting up on a ladder and walking on your roof, if you’re not comfortable doing this, get a professional in!
Disadvantages:-
DVB-S
Signal loss due to rain fade, heavy storms can cause a loss of picture
Standard definition only no HD.
A separate receiver box is required for each TV
DVB-T
A good signal is required.
Signal interference from damaged street lights, lawn mowers, motor bike in fringe reception areas.
Advantages:-
DVB-S
If you have a Sky dish, it’s already aligned to the correct position, simply plug in the box, put the right settings in and go,
and can work in conjunction with your existing sky TV service.
DVB-T
High definition broadcast
No receiver box required for freeview approved TV’s.
And finally if you’ve got any questions ask, The information here is based on my experience and it is your judgement on how to proceed with setting up your digital TV.
