News
14 October 2009
Freeview marches toward Digital Uptake Target
PRESS RELEASE: Tuesday 13th October, 2009
Freeview marches toward Digital Uptake Target
Free-to-air digital platform continues to climb towards 300,000 mark
The latest quarterly Freeview figures illustrate that Kiwis are continuing to connect with more free-to-air channels, such as recent addition Prime, improved picture quality, an Electronic Programme Guide (EPG) and no ongoing costs.
The appeal of such features has meant that the Freeview digital television and radio broadcast platform continues to increase in popularity, so much so that it is now available in nearly 300,000 Kiwi homes around the country. This is well above forecast and at a quicker rate per capita than the majority of countries which have made the switch to digital television.
Latest sales figures for the three months ending September 2009 show that the total number of households able to receive Freeview is 291,853. This figure consists of 177,917Freeview satellite® homes and 113,936 Freeview|HD® homes.
“The availability and popularity of Prime has defintely contributed to our growth and has brought the total number of channels on Freeview satellite® to 13 and 12 on Freeview|HD®,” says Sam Irvine, General Manager, Freeview.
The availability of Prime on Freeview will also have an impact on driving New Zealand transition towards digital switch over as all national free-to-air channels are now on the platform.
A final decision on the official switch over date, as indicated by Minister of Broadcasting Dr. Coleman, will be made when digital television up-take reaches 75 percent of households, or in 2012, whichever occurs first.
“We know that Kiwis are benefiting from the impressive retail deals available on Freeview approved products, as the latest take up figures indicate they perceive Freeview as a good value home entertainment option.” adds Sam Irvine.
“Retailers around the country continue to provide us with feedback that Kiwis are really attracted to the sort of priceless entertainment that Freeview provides, that is a one-off cost and no monthly subscription. With all of that in mind, our continued growth prospects look very positive.” he concludes.
ENDS
More information regarding the current Freeview service and future plans can be found on Freeview’s website: www.freeviewnz.tv.
For more details please contact:
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For Freeview:
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Paul Gunn
ELEVEN\PR
09 366 6266 or 0274 409 964
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Kelly Bennett
ELEVEN\PR
09 366 6266 or 021 380 035
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