Frequently Asked Questions

Of course you can - Freeview makes a great gift. Remember though that before they can connect it, they will need a satellite dish or UHF aerial too.  Please check the following before you buy the receiver or recorder:
1. Do they have a working dish or aerial?
2. What's the available coverage in their area?
You can use the 5 step guide on the Freeview homepage to guide you through the process.

Yes you can buy online. Check out our online retailers here.

Yes. To see how to connect these up, you can use our easy set up videos.

Yes you can, but not currently via the same digital receiver or recorder.

Freeview via Satellite can be received via a working satellite dish and a Freeview satellite receiver or a MyFreeview satellite recorder.

Freeview via UHF (or Freeview HD*) can be received via a working UHF aerial and a Freeview UHF (HD) Receiver or a MyFreeview UHF (HD) Recorder. 

* Freeview via UHF is a High Definition capable platform (hence is sometimes referred to as Freeview HD) while Freeview via Satellite is a Standard Definition platform.  Please note that, at the time of the last update for this FAQ, only selected content on TV One, TV2 and TV3 are broadcast in HD format on Freeview via UHF.

Yes, though you will still need a Freeview Satellite Receiver as well as your SKY or TelstraClear decoder. Please talk to an installer if you are considering connecting a Freeview Satellite Receiver or MyFreeview Satellite Recorder, and a SKY decoder to the same dish.

In some cases an internal aerial will work to pick up Freeview when used in conjunction with a Freeview UHF (HD) Receiver or MyFreeview UHF (HD) Recorder.

If our coverage tool gives you a result of 'very likely' to receive via UHF aerial at the address you specify, then an internal antenna near a window and in direct line of sight with your nearest transmission tower may work.

In many cases your existng aerial will work. If in doubt we recommend just trying to connect it, and if it doesn't tune in all the channels or sometimes has pixelation, please contact an installer to check and replace or reposition your antenna, cable, or connectors.

As a guideline, if you can get channels such as Prime and Maori Television, and live in an area that can pick up Freeview via UHF, then you're likely to get good Freeview reception in HD with your existing UHF aerial when it's connected to a Freeview UHF (HD) Receiver / MyFreeview UHF (HD) Recorder.  You can check whether you live in an area that can pick up Freeview via UHF by using our coverage tool.

A working satellite dish should be able to receive the Freeview service when used in conjunction with a Freeview Satellite Recevier / MyFreeview Satellite Recorder. Please see our set-up videos to see how to connect a Freeview Satellite Receiver / MyFreeview Satellite Recorder.  If you require additional assistance, check with an installer for advice and a quote.

Yes. But first you will need to either connect each television to the one Freeview Receiver / MyFreeview Recorder, or you'll need a separate Freeview Receiver / MyFreeview Recorder for each TV (assuming none of the TVs have Freeview built-in).  If you need help, an installer can offer advice on all your available options and provide a quote.

Yes. To make sure that all New Zealanders can access Freeview, it's available by both satellite dish and UHF aerial - find out the difference between the two here. This is the most cost-effective solution for New Zealand, given its topography and population, and ensures we have a robust, reliable, secure, and modern broadcasting system.

Freeview via satellite is available to nearly 100% of New Zealand homes and can be received using a Satellite Dish (a functioning pre-existing dish will work) connected to a Freeview Satellite Receiver / MyFreeview Satellite Recorder. Freeview via UHF (HD) is available to about 86% of New Zealand homes and can be received using a working UHF aerial connected to a Freeview UHF (HD) Receiver / MyFreeview UHF (HD) Recorder.

See which Freeview service is best for you by checking your coverage.

Some digital receivers/recorders, including the Zinwell/DSE digital satellite receivers, need you to manually set your clock to daylight savings time. To do this, select: Menu - System Configuration - System Setting - Time - and then change Summer to ON or OFF.

No. You'll find that a number of installers also sell Freeview approved digital receivers/recorders. While you don't need to buy from a Freeview accredited retailer, it's best to buy a Freeview approved product as only Freeview approved products have been sampled and rigorously tested to ensure compatibility with the Freeview platform in New Zealand.

Only Freeview approved receivers/recorders offer the following benefits:

• Automatically scans for new channels;
• Pre-loaded with the 8-day Freeview Electronic Programme Guide (EPG);
• Capability to access iteractive TV as it becomes available;
• Automatically receives over-the-air software upgrades;
• Parental Control Features;
• Warranty / Service guarantee & support

You'll see the Freeview logo in accredited retailer stores and on Freeview approved products. Find a Freeview retailer or installer near you.

The EPG (Electronic Programme Guide) uses an MHEG-5 data stream for both Freeview via satellite and Freeview via UHF (HD).

The Freeview satellite service had an existing base of free-to-air digital satellite receivers and recorders which work off an EIT schedule, so we'll continue to broadcast in this format for people viewing Freeview via satellite.

For Freeview via UHF (HD), there was no existing base of digital receivers and recorders so Freeview has chosen to broadcast the schedule using MHEG-5 only, as it's more efficient in bandwidth and looks better on screen.

To connect both a Freeview Satellite Receiver / MyFreeview Satellite Recorder and a SKY decoder to one dish you need to use a single power pass splitter and connect the power pass side to the SKY decoder as shown below.

Please note you'll need to keep your SKY decoder plugged in for the Freeview Satellite Receiver to work, as the SKY decoder will be powering the LNB (which controls the sound).

Please see our Equipment Supply Chain Information for certification requirements. Get in touch with us if you are interested in putting forth a device for the Freeview accreditation process.

It's easy to get up and running with Freeview.  Just follow these five simple steps:

1. CHECK: Do you have a satellite dish or UHF aerial on your roof?
2. LOOK: What's the Freeview coverage in your area?
3. ASK: What equipment do you need? Want to pause, rewind & record TV? Check out MyFreeview.  Remember, going digital with Freeview doesn't require you to buy a new TV.
4. FIND: Where can you buy it? See our list of Freeview accredited retailers to find one near you.
5. GO: How do you install it? Watch our set-up videos for tips on doing it yourself, or find an installer near you who can give you a quote for installation.

Use the 5-step "How do I get Freeview" guide on our homepage to take you through the process and you'll be watching digital TV at home in no time!

With a Freeview approved Receiver or MyFreeview Recorder (look for the Freeview logo on the product), and a working satellite dish or UHF aerial already on your roof, installation is relatively simple and it's unlikely you'll need any help to set up.  Check out our 'how to' videos for set up instructions.

If your new digital receiver/recorder doesn't tune in automatically, then we suggest you first call the manufacturer for assistance (the phone number should be in the packaging or on the product guide). If this doesn't solve the problem, contact an installer to get a quote for their assistance.

If you've purchased a non-approved digital receiver / recorder, we suggest you contact the person you purchased it from for assistance.

The Freeview via UHF (Freeview HD) service, which allows you to watch in High Definition a selection of programmes broadcast in HD.  This service covers around 86% of New Zealand households. Check out the coverage map for your area to determine whether you can receive Freeview via UHF at your place. 

If Freeview via UHF (Freeview HD) is not available in your area, you're most likely still able to go digital with Freeview via Satellite, which extends to almost 100% of New Zealand households.  Programmes on Freeview via Satellite will be displayed in digital quality Standard Definition (SD), you can expect a significant improvement in picture quality and sound from analogue SD.

The Freeview via Satellite service covers nearly 100% of New Zealand and the Freeview via UHF (Freeview HD) service covers around 86% of New Zealand households. Check out the coverage map for your area to determine the type of coverage available to you.

Press the EPG (Electronic Programme Guide) button on your Freeview approved digital receiver remote.

Scroll through the programmes, and at the bottom of the synopsis for each programme there will be an ear symbol like this  if the programme is captioned.

There are many more digital transmitters in areas like Auckland and Wellington than there were for analogue TV, so there may be a more suitable direction for your aerial to pick up better coverage.

To check, you can download coverage maps for each transmitter to see which direction will work best for you..

You don't need to subscribe. Freeview is free. All you need is a digital receiver and an aerial or satellite dish - there are no monthly fees and no contracts.

If you have a Hills box: press Menu - select Installation, and Settings - select Output Settings - change the Aspect Mode to 16:9.

If you have a Zinwell/DSE box: press Menu - select System Configuration - select System Setup - select TV - change the Aspect Ratio to 16:9.

At Freeview we don't actually sell or manufacture any of the hardware needed to receive our services, which means we also don't set or influence prices.

Retailers buy the digital receivers, dishes and aerials from manufacturers, the same as they would with other electronic equipment. Each retailer and each brand of hardware will have different retail prices.

So, as with any purchase we suggest you shop around for a good deal. You can find Freeview retailers here.

Most TV content is now broadcast in a widescreen (16:9) format. While newer TVs are built to display a wide screen picture, many older TVs (4:3) need to be adjusted.

 To make sure you get the full picture on your 4:3 TV you'll need to adjust the Aspect Ratio on your Freeview receiver. Please check your user guide for detailed information on how to do this.

The common 4:3 display options are:

• Centre Cut or Pan Scan - Ensures that the picture fills the screen. You won't have any black bars around the picture but you will lose the edge of any graphics and miss the outer edges of any widescreen videos.
• Letter Box - This option will give you the entire picture that is broadcast so you won't miss anything. Though you will notice black bars on the top and bottom of the picture - much like most DVDs. And, when older 4:3 (non-widescreen) content is broadcast, you'll notice a black border around the whole picture.

No, Freeview doesn't have any say in what channels or programmes are shown - that's all up to the free-to-air networks, like TVNZ, TV3, Prime etc.

Freeview is just here to make the switch from analogue to digital TV easier for everyone by giving them all the info they need and letting them know all the benefits Freeview brings, including more free channels, better picture quality and a free 8-day on screen programme guide .

From time to time Freeview will broadcast software upgrades for your receiver on behalf of the manufacturer.

If your receiver/recorder prompts you to accept a software upgrade, please follow the on-screen instructions. An upgrade should take no longer than 30 minutes.

When the upgrade is complete, the receiver/recorder should return to the channel you were viewing or go to stand-by. If it doesn't, we suggest you unplug it (remove the power connection), wait 30 seconds, and plug it back in. If the upgrade was unsuccessful the receiver will probably try again, follow the instructions. If it fails again we suggest you contact the manufacturer for technical support.

Footage produced in 4:3 and presented on a widescreen TV has black bars at the sides to fill the screen.

To see the correct picture size and shape there are two things you need to do:

1. tell your digital receiver that it's attached to a 16:9 TV (look in the digital receiver set-up menu), and
2. set the TV 'aspect ratio' with your TV remote to 16:9 (sometimes called widescreen or simply, wide mode).

On Freeview you'll get all your favourite free-to-air channels that you get currently, plus extra channels, crystal clear digital quality pictures and sound, radio shows, and it's likely there will be more channels coming soon!

Broadcasters can choose whether to broadcast their channels via aerial, satellite or both, so the channels available may differ between the two platforms. Check out the channels listing on the Home page for more info.

Please check that you've got your digital receiver/recorder connected properly. If this does not help sometimes all it takes is a 'factory reset' or 're-installation' - press the 'menu' button on the digital receiver/recorder remote and follow the menu options.

If you are still having a problem we suggest first call the manufacturer for assistance (the phone number should be in the packaging or on the product guide). If this does not solve the problem then call an installer. If they cannot solve the problem then return to the retailer for more assistance.

If you have purchased a non-approved digital receiver we suggest you contact the person you purchased it from for assistance.

Yes - by switching over to Freeview you'll be able to receive around 15-23 channels depending on where you live. Also, if you're in the coverage area able to pick up Freeview in HD, you can watch some programmes in high definition.

TVONE, TV2 and TV3 each screen selected programmes in high definition, with the balance of their schedules up-converted from standard definition television.

The Freeview Service Provider Code of Practice (available for download) provides easy guidelines for interested parties to get a channel up and running on the platform, including processes and costs. Just contact us (LINK to form) for further information.

First of all, please check that you've got your digital receiver/recorder connected properly. Sometimes all it takes is a 'factory reset' or 're-installation' - press the 'MENU' button on the digital receiver remote and follow the menu options. You can also check the some of the other questions in the LINK FAQ troubleshooting section.

If you're still having a problem we suggest you first call the manufacturer for assistance (the phone number should be in the packaging or on the product guide). If this doesn't solve the problem then call a Freeview installer. If they can't solve the problem either, then return to the retailer for more assistance. If you've purchased a non-approved digital receiver, we suggest you contact the person you bought it from for assistance. 

Please check that you've got your digital receiver connected properly. Sometimes all it takes is a 'factory reset' or 're-installation' - press the 'menu' button on the digital receiver remote and follow the menu options.

If you are still having a problem we suggest first call the manufacturer for assistance (the phone number should be in the packaging or on the product guide). If this does not solve the problem then call an installer. If they cannot solve the problem then return to the retailer for more assistance.

If you have purchased a non-approved digital receiver we suggest you contact the person you purchased it from for assistance.

This means the TV is capable of displaying an HD image which is about twice the resolution of a standard image.

The digital receiver converts the digital signal into a form that is suitable for viewing on an analogue television.

There are many different shapes and sizes. Here are a few different types avaliable: 

Multi-unit dwellings may have a TV reception system that feeds your apartment - just ask your body corporate, building manager or landlord.

Some multi-unit dwellings have satellite plug sockets which let you to connect a digital satellite receiver into your TV aerial socket. If not, we suggest you ask your body corporate, building manager or landlord to contact an installer who can advise on the equipment and installation options. They'll also be able to help with advice to make sure you can receive the Freeview in HD service (assuming your apartment is in one of the coverage areas).

You can take your digital receiver/recorder with you. You may also choose to take the satellite dish or UHF aerial with you or have one installed at your new home.

1080 stands for the vertical resolution (number of pixels displayed down the screen). And the 'i' stands for interlaced which means all the odd numbered rows are displayed first and then the even numbers second, as opposed to progressive which means the lines are displayed in sequence. 1080i has a resolution 1920 pixels wide and 1080 pixels high.

720 stands for the vertical resolution (number of pixels displayed down the screen). And the 'p' stands for progrssive,which means the lines are displayed in sequence, as opposed to interlaced (i) which means all the odd numbered rows are displayed first and then the even numbers second. 720p has a vertical resolution of 720 lines and a horizontal resolution of 1280.

A digital receiver (sometimes referred to as a set top box) converts the digital signal so that you can receive all of Freeview's channels through your existing TV.

At Freeview we approve a whole range of digital receivers, recorders, and TVs with Freeview built-in that we put through testing to make sure they're up to the Freeview standards.

We can't review everything though as there are so many products out there, so there are still a lot of products that are 'Freeview compatible devices'. They may not have the full Freeview tick of approval, but they can still receive Freeview services and the specifications of the product have been agreed with Freeview.

A satellite dish is required to receive the Freeview via satellite signal - it then sends this signal to your digital receiver for decoding

If you have a digital TV with Freeview built-in, you don't need a digital receiver if you're in a coverage area that can pick up Freeview via aerial. If you're outside of the aerial coverage area, you'll need a Freeview receiver/recorder and satellite dish to get Freeview. To see if you are in the coverage area, please check your coverage here.

Soon the existing analogue, free-to-air TV signals are being switched off and replaced by the digital-only signal, which is currently also being broadcast. It's all happening region by region from September 2012 to November 2013 - so this is the digital switch over.

The whole process is being managed by a team made up of goverment leaders and industry experts, and Freeview is an organisation that has been developed to bring you everything you need to know about going digital.

Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound creates a theatre quality sound experience through left, center, right, left surround, and right surround speakers - plus a sixth speaker for those powerful low-frequency effects that are felt more than heard in movie theatres. This is often known as the subwoofer. Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound is available with Freeview in HD.

Freeview via satellite means your Freeview signal is received via a satellite dish at your place. Freeview provides crystal clear digital quality pictures and sound, an 8-day EPG and more channels than analogue TV. And with Freeview there are no subscriptions!

With MyFreeview via satellite you'll be in control of your TV viewing. Pause, record and replay live TV to fit around your busy schedule. Record all your favourite shows and watch them when you're ready. You can now record an entire series at the touch of a button.

Via satellite is how you get it at your place - all you need is a Freeview approved digital satellite recorder. And with Freeview there are no subscriptions!

With MyFreeview in HD you'll be in control of your TV viewing. Pause, record and replay live TV to fit around your busy schedule. Record all your favourite shows and watch them when you're ready. You can now record an entire series at the touch of a button. You can even record in high definition! It all comes down to the coverage at your place whether you can get HD. All you need is a standard UHF aerial and a Freeview approved digital HD recorder. And with Freeview there are no subscriptions!

Freeview via aerial means your Freeview signal is received via a UHF aerial at your place. As well as crystal clear digital quality pictures and sound, you'll also get the added bonus of some of your favourite programmes in high definition. Plus an 8-day EPG and more channels than analogue TV.

When the switch over to digital TV was announced, Freeview was established by New Zealand's leading broadcasters including TVNZ, MediaWorks (owners of TV3 and C4), Maori Television Service, and Radio New Zealand, to give you free access to New Zealand's favourite TV programmes and radio shows in crystal clear digital quality.

No monthly fees, no contracts, just a one-off small purchase of a digital receiver, and, if you don't already have one, a satellite dish or UHF aerial.

Freeview in HD provides crystal clear digital quality pictures and sound with the added bonus of some of your favourite programmes  in high definition. Plus an 8-day EPG and more channels than analogue TV. You need to be able to get Freeview coverage via aerial to get Freeview in HD.

High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) is a new type of plug connection between digital receivers, DVD players, game machines and TVs. It's fast becoming standard in most new devices and beats similar analogue devices like scart and component connections because of its quality and simplicity. It also has the ability to work with new and developing software protection methods required by programme content owners.

You'll need an HDMI cable to get a High Definition picture if you're wanting to watch Freeview in HD.

HDTV is now available in New Zealand with built-in Freeview in HD (a TV with Freeview built in).

Nearly all internationally produced movies and most television programmes are now HD. This means they have a higher resolution than standard definition. The  picture quality is therefore much better and HD also provides other benefits such as smoother motion, richer and more natural colours, and surround sound. Picture quality may vary depending on hardware and signal strength.

All Freeview approved products have a parental control function to make sure only appropriate content is available to be viewed by children. Parents are able to set a maximum rating (G, PGR, AO) - if a programme has an audience rating above your chosen level, a password is needed to view that show. This password is set by the parent/guardian.

Analogue is the way TV's always been broadcast since the signal was first switched on. The new digital signal can carry much more information than analogue, which means you get almost DVD quality pictures and sound. It also allows broadcasters to offer more channels and a range of new and different services. Find out more here.

To make watching TV even easier, Freeview features an Electronic Programme Guide that you can access through the EPG or Guide button on the digital receiver remote control. The EPG is really simple to use and lets you see 8 days of programme listings for every Freeview channel.

The Government has announced that the digital switch over is happening from September 2012. The switch over process has been split into two test regions and then three main switch over areas, as shown here:

• Hawkes Bay (September 2012)
• West Coast (September 2012)
• The rest of the South Island (April 2013)
• The lower North Island (September 2013)
• The upper North Island (November 2013)

TiVo is a recording device compatible with Freeview in HD. It's similar to MyFreeview in HD. To find out more about TiVo visit their website www.mytivo.co.nz

The term "widescreen" is used to describe the format in which the picture is broadcast and displayed on screen. Widescreen is considered to be more aesthetically pleasing as it closely resembles the way the human eye views the world - enhancing the sense of realism.

If you have an old square (4:3) TV you may have noticed black lines at the top and bottom of the screen are visible more often. That's the only noticeable difference. However, if you have a digital receiver and a widescreen TV, you can now see the 'full picture'.

Most TV programmes are now produced in 16:9 so the 4:3 TV loses some of the picture (as in this Spooks example. Notice one actor is 'cut-off' on the 4:3 image).

We recommend a UHF wideband antenna (aerial). For more information we suggest you contact an installer.

Signals for the Freeview satellite service are transmitted from the Optus D1 satellite. We recommend a minimum dish size of 60cm with a single 11.300 GHz LO Frequency LNB. It can all sound a little complicated, so for more information we suggest you contact an installer or a Freeview Retailer.

The last region to be swtiched from analogue to digital TV is the Upper North Island in November 2013. See www.goingdigital.co.nz for more information.

Freeview approved digital receivers/recorders are available from a number of accredited Freeview retailers around the country. See our Freeview retailer list to find a retailer near you. These retailers can also recommend satellite dish and aerial installers, or you can find one in our installer list.

It's best to buy your satellite dish direct from an installer as they can help you get it all set up - find an installer near you. Or one of our Freeview retailers can recommend an aerial installer when you purchase your digital receiver.

An accredited Freeview retailer can recommend an aerial installer when you buy your digital receiver or you can find an installer near you to purchase an aerial from.

You can buy a new aerial direct from an installer - have a look here to find an installer near you. Or an accredited Freeview retailer can recommend an aerial installer when you buy your digital receiver.

It's best to buy a satellite dish direct from an installer as they can help you get it all set up - find an installer near you.Or one of our Freeview accredited retailers can recommend an aerial installer when you purchase your digital receiver.

Freeview is available to all New Zealanders. The Freeview via satellite service covers nearly 100% of New Zealand and Freeview in HD (via aerial) covers around 86% of New Zealand homes. 

Once you've bought a digital receiver and, if you need one, installed a satellite dish or aerial, you can watch and listen to Freeview's channels absolutely free.

If there's something wrong with your digital receiver/recorder then please call the manufacturer for assistance first (the phone number should be in the packaging or on the product guide).

If this doesn't solve the problem then call an installer. If they can't solve the problem either, then return to the retailer for more assistance.

If you've purchased a non-approved digital receiver we suggest you contact the person you bought it from for assistance.

The world has moved with the times and changed to digital TV and radio, and so should we. Our old analogue system is becoming obsolete and costly to run, it's pretty inefficient because of the the amount of bandwidth needed to broadcast each channel, and digital technology produces a much better product - clearer pictures, sound and so much more.

At Freeview our role is to make sure all New Zealanders have the opportunity to experience the benefits of digital TV.

Check out the 'how to' videos. If you're still having a problem then please call the manufacturer for assistance first (the phone number should be in the packaging or on the product guide).

If this doesn't solve the problem then call an installer. If they can't solve the problem either, then return to the retailer for more assistance.

If you've purchased a non-approved digital receiver we suggest you contact the person you bought it from for assistance.

Dolby 5.1 is currently only broadcast on certain programmes on TV3. You can check if a programme is broadcast in Dolby 5.1 on the Freeview EPG and by looking for the Dolby symbol below in the synopsis. On some products you can only select Dolby when 5.1 is actually broadcast.

The rest of the world is switching to digital TV or have already done so. There is also an economical benefit for the Government and all New Zealanders - by freeing up the frequencies currently used for analogue TV, they can be used for next generation mobile and telecommunication services which will improve productivity.

Digital uses less spectrum than the analogue signal, which means it frees up bandwidth for a range of new channels and services to be offered.

Digital transmission will also mean cost savings for the broadcast networks compared to analogue and digital TV provides a much better viewing experience - better pictures and sound, more channels and a free 8-day on screen programme guide.

Programmes made in 4:3 formats will have black bars (or curtains) at each side of the screen. Some material especially archive footage will be in 4:3 format so will be broadcast with the black bars. Most new programmes are produced in 16:9 format so will fill the entire screen. Previously 4:3 images were stretched to fill the screen but this distorts the image (people look short and fat).

This is called sun outage and may affect your Freeview if you receive it via satellite. It's a technical phenomenon which occurs during the months of April and September, and can last as long as 15 minutes a day and take place over a period of 15 days. On these days you will see the "No Signal" message on your television for up to 10 minutes. Normal service will resume after this time.

It happens because the radio frequency noise from the sun is stronger than the desired signal from the satellite, resulting in a brief service interruption. Viewers may experience noise or service interruptions. Different areas will be affected on different dates and times during this period.

The effects of a sun outage vary from minimal to total outage throughout the 15 day period. Once it reaches its peak, the interference will gradually decrease becoming less noticeable each day after.

Often broadcast schedules can over or under run by a few minutes. MyFreeview recorders extend the start and end time if possible to avoid this issue. But if multiple recordings are scheduled it may not always be possible to extend the time and the recorder may start or finish the recording at the scheduled time.

MyFreeview records the series or programme you've chosen rather than just setting the time to start recording - it sees an identical repeat as the same content to record. This means it will choose an alternate screening to record if it's unable to record the first screening because you're recording another show at the time.

With the switch to digital TV happening, it's important that we can still bring quality free TV to New Zealanders.

Though Freeview is not a direct competitor to pay TV (pay TV is always going to be a premium choice), free-to-air television competes with pay TV for audience share.

Free-to-air television generates revenue by selling advertising and so needs audience share to ensure advertisers are getting value for money. This means that the more people viewing pay TV, the smaller the audience share for free-to-air channels - which means less potential to make money and therefore less money to purchase quality programmes.

The more revenue generated (via subscriptions) by pay TV operators, the more money they have to outbid free-to-air broadcasters for first-run programmes, which means more people subscribing to pay TV. If this cycle continues, free-to-air television will struggle to survive and we may end up with a situation where all New Zealanders have to pay to watch television.

Until now if New Zealanders wanted to experience digital television they had to subscribe to a pay TV service and pay a monthly fee.

Freeview offers a free alternative for viewing free-to-air digital television.The digital switch over (DSO) will reduce transmission costs for broadcasters and deliver a healthy dividend for the Government once the analogue airwave spectrum is freed up.

This is because of the Dolby dynamic compression used. To correct this press HOME on your Freeview remote and change your audio settings as follows: Settings > Digital setup > Dynamic range > Compressed.

Once the analogue signal has been turned off, the only way for Kiwis to continue to watch their favourite TV shows for free is to switch from analogue to Freeview digital television.

Digital uses improved technology that is better than the old analogue system, including more channels, 8-day on screen programme guide, better picture and improved sound. And it's free, forever.

Australian TVs made in the last two years may - if the model number was released here it should work. Older Australian TVs and all UK TVs won't work here as these use MPEG-2 (compression) for their terrestrial (UHF aerial) broadcast and Freeview in HD uses MPEG-4. Some channels are broadcast in HD (high definition) only and therefore you need an HD capable receiver.

Yes, if you're having problems receiving analogue TV then Freeview can help to resolve this issue. Freeview via satellite is available to nearly 100% of New Zealand. Freeview in HD, which is received via UHF aerial, is available to about 86% of New Zealand households. See which Freeview service is best for you by using our coverage tool.

There are no plans at this stage to broadcast in HD via the satellite platform. This is due to bandwidth limitations and cost - HD requires a much larger amount of bandwidth and SKY TV has leased the majority of the suitable bandwidth on the Optus D1 satellite so there is not enough room for Freeview broadcasters to transmit HD.

If, in future years, Freeview broadcasters did manage to secure additional bandwidth, viewers would need to replace their current satellite receiver with one that is capable of decoding an HD signal (much like SKY subscribers need to rent a new HD receiver for their HD service). Freeview in HD is available to 86% of NZ homes.

No, you won't have to replace your current TV. The digital receiver or recorder converts the digital signal so you can see and hear all of Freeview's channels through your existing TV. Or if you're wanting to upgrade your TV anyway, you can get a TV with a Freeview receiver already built in. Have a look at the products available.

If you have a Freeview approved digital receiver or recorder, all new channels will be automatically added. Please contact the manufacturer of your receiver if you have any problems.

No - this is one of the main differences between Freeview and pay television - there are no sign up fees, no monthly fees and no contracts.

You buy the hardware, and the service is free. All you need is a Freeview receiver/recorder and an aerial (for Freeview in HD) or a satellite dish (for Freeview via satellite). Then, it's free forever!