wellygary: Yip, 2013 it is and I am also led to beleive that that is a further roll out of Freeview HD to more regional centres timetabled for before the RWC next year as part of this package,

graemeh:

wellygary: Yip, 2013 it is and I am also led to beleive that that is a further roll out of Freeview HD to more regional centres timetabled for before the RWC next year as part of this package,

Perhaps this will put pressure on Sky to change Prime to a HD channel on Freeview.

JonC: Earlier than expected - maybe the revenue from spectrum auctions beckoned.

I wonder if they'll be handing out vouchers for STBs like the US.

robbyp:

JonC: Earlier than expected - maybe the revenue from spectrum auctions beckoned.

I wonder if they'll be handing out vouchers for STBs like the US.

 

I suspect some very serious lobbying has gone on from the Telcos, so they can buy up the spectrum. The problem is we are now going to see a lot of TVs just dumped, as it is not economical to be a STB for an old CRT, when you aren't paying much more for a LCD with freeview built in, that is a far better product. The STB cost stuff all to make, so they really should be sold a lot cheaper than they are being sold for. I got a non approved one off trademe new, for $50. Perhaps the gov are going to do what they have done in other countries and given each house hold a voucher for a good discount off the STB, although I won't hold my breath...

Zeon: Why not use the new UFB network to deliver TV, even if its just streaming normal broadcast channels?

JonC:

robbyp:

JonC: Earlier than expected - maybe the revenue from spectrum auctions beckoned.

I wonder if they'll be handing out vouchers for STBs like the US.

 

I suspect some very serious lobbying has gone on from the Telcos, so they can buy up the spectrum. The problem is we are now going to see a lot of TVs just dumped, as it is not economical to be a STB for an old CRT, when you aren't paying much more for a LCD with freeview built in, that is a far better product. The STB cost stuff all to make, so they really should be sold a lot cheaper than they are being sold for. I got a non approved one off trademe new, for $50. Perhaps the gov are going to do what they have done in other countries and given each house hold a voucher for a good discount off the STB, although I won't hold my breath...

The cost is not just the STB, though - it's the antenna or dish and their installation.  Especially for people who aren't in the HD regions, the cost of a dish and box could be beyond some people's budgets.  I imagine all sorts of howling and screaming.  If the govt hand out vouchers, people who paid for boxes will scream.  If they don't then other people will scream...

Zeon: Why not use the new UFB network to deliver TV, even if its just streaming normal broadcast channels?

System: Has there been any announcements so far on when the Freeview|HD coverage is going to increase?

wellygary:

System: Has there been any announcements so far on when the Freeview|HD coverage is going to increase?

http://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/switchover+digital+television+2013

Invercargill, Timaru, Nelson, Wairarapa, Gisborne, Wanganui, Taranaki, Taupo, Rotorua and Whangarei.