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Initially, 18 channels will be available, with six each for TVNZ and CanWest, and the remaining six <ref name="stuff" /> possibly involving [[New Zealand Racing Board#Trackside TV channel|Trackside]], [[Māori Television|Māori TV]], Radio New Zealand channels, Prime and regional TV.<ref name=video />[[TV ONE]], [[TV 2 (New Zealand)|TV2]], [[TV3 (New Zealand)|TV3]] and [[C4 (New Zealand)|C4]] will all be available on FreeView,<ref>{{Cite video | people=Parker, Stephen (Reporter) | year=2006 | title=[http://www.tv3.co.nz/News/tabid/67/articleID/9597/Default.aspx Free-to-air Digital TV] | medium=TV-News | publisher=TV3}}</ref> giving 4 extra channels each to TVNZ and CanWest.
Initially, 18 channels will be available, with six each for TVNZ and CanWest, and the remaining six <ref name="stuff" /> possibly involving [[New Zealand Racing Board#Trackside TV channel|Trackside]], [[Māori Television|Māori TV]], Radio New Zealand channels, Prime and regional TV.<ref name=video />[[TV ONE]], [[TV 2 (New Zealand)|TV2]], [[TV3 (New Zealand)|TV3]] and [[C4 (New Zealand)|C4]] will all be available on FreeView,<ref>{{Cite video | people=Parker, Stephen (Reporter) | year=2006 | title=[http://www.tv3.co.nz/News/tabid/67/articleID/9597/Default.aspx Free-to-air Digital TV] | medium=TV-News | publisher=TV3}}</ref> giving 4 extra channels each to TVNZ and CanWest.


TVNZ and CanWest remained tight lipped in public on what new channels they will produce, claiming it was commercially sensitive.<ref name="herald" /> TVNZ will produce two new channels one in 2007 and 2008. It will be a public channel with hourly news updates sports the
TVNZ and CanWest remained tight lipped in public on what new channels they will produce, claiming it was commercially sensitive.<ref name="herald" /> TVNZ will produce two new channels one in 2007 and 2008. The first, with working title "News 24" will be a commercial-free rolling news channel with 90% local content. In the UK the BBC already has a rolling channel called [[BBC News 24]] The second channel will have preschool programs,family and arts
second channel will have preschool programs,family and arts


On the other side, CanWest confirmed it will produce one extra channel each in 2007 and 2008 targeting a niche market.<ref name="herald2" /> The [[Broadcasting Standards Authority|BSA]] expects it to screen imported programmes on its first extra channel.<ref name="bsa">{{cite web| url = http://www.bsa.govt.nz/publications/BSA-FutureOfMediaRegulation.pdf| title = The Future of Media Regulation in NZ: Is There One? | accessdate = 2006-07-07| last = Brown| first = Russell| coauthors = Price, Steven| year = 2006| month = May| format = PDF| publisher = Broadcasting Standards Authority| pages = 20}}</ref> Since CanWest will not use all six channels allocated to it, it may sub-lease the spare capacity to other companies.<ref>{{cite news | first = John| last = Drinnan| title = Media bytes: Sub-leasing on Freeview | work = The National Business Review | date = [[2006-08-04]]| accessdate = 2006-08-04|}}</ref>
On the other side, CanWest confirmed it will produce one extra channel each in 2007 and 2008 targeting a niche market.<ref name="herald2" /> The [[Broadcasting Standards Authority|BSA]] expects it to screen imported programmes on its first extra channel.<ref name="bsa">{{cite web| url = http://www.bsa.govt.nz/publications/BSA-FutureOfMediaRegulation.pdf| title = The Future of Media Regulation in NZ: Is There One? | accessdate = 2006-07-07| last = Brown| first = Russell| coauthors = Price, Steven| year = 2006| month = May| format = PDF| publisher = Broadcasting Standards Authority| pages = 20}}</ref> Since CanWest will not use all six channels allocated to it, it may sub-lease the spare capacity to other companies.<ref>{{cite news | first = John| last = Drinnan| title = Media bytes: Sub-leasing on Freeview | work = The National Business Review | date = [[2006-08-04]]| accessdate = 2006-08-04|}}</ref>

Revision as of 08:00, 15 November 2006

This article is about the New Zealand digital TV service. For the UK digital TV service, please see Freeview.

Template:Future product FreeView is a non-profit free-to-air digital television service planned for New Zealand. It will be available via satellite and terrestrial transmitters using the UHF frequency starting in 2007. FreeView will provide more channels, higher quality and prepare users for the analogue switchoff in 2012 to 2016.[1] A set-top box costing around NZ$200, a suitable TV tuner card or a digital capable TV and an UHF aerial or a satellite dish will be required to access the service. It will use the DVB standard on government provided spectrum. The government will also pay NZ$25 million or around one third of the total cost.

Content

I was alive, just, of course, at the time when black and white television swapped over to colour and I understand this to be an even bigger event.

— Broadcasting Minister
Steve Maharey[2]

Seven companies have stated they will participate in the venture, including TVNZ, CanWest, Radio New Zealand, Māori Television Service, the New Zealand Racing Board,[1] Alt TV[3] and an unspecified independent broadcaster rumoured to be Triangle TV.[4] There are ongoing negotiations with Prime, other regional TV operators,[5] and overseas companies wanting to start up in New Zealand.[6] However, Prime has said it will not make a decision before 2008.[7] FreeView will be open to other free-to-air broadcasters if they want to join.[1][8]

Channels

Initially, 18 channels will be available, with six each for TVNZ and CanWest, and the remaining six [8] possibly involving Trackside, Māori TV, Radio New Zealand channels, Prime and regional TV.[2]TV ONE, TV2, TV3 and C4 will all be available on FreeView,[9] giving 4 extra channels each to TVNZ and CanWest.

TVNZ and CanWest remained tight lipped in public on what new channels they will produce, claiming it was commercially sensitive.[5] TVNZ will produce two new channels one in 2007 and 2008. The first, with working title "News 24" will be a commercial-free rolling news channel with 90% local content. In the UK the BBC already has a rolling channel called BBC News 24 The second channel will have preschool programs,family and arts

On the other side, CanWest confirmed it will produce one extra channel each in 2007 and 2008 targeting a niche market.[6] The BSA expects it to screen imported programmes on its first extra channel.[10] Since CanWest will not use all six channels allocated to it, it may sub-lease the spare capacity to other companies.[11]

Māori TV aims to launch more channels later.[6]

Parliament will get its own channel ("Parliament TV") soon.

Although the satellite and the terrestrial service will both have 18 channels initially, there is space for only 20 channels on the satellite[12] so fewer channels may be available on satellite than UHF in the future.[13] Prime's contracts with sports bodies preclude it from broadcasting sports programmes unencrypted on satellites, so Prime may only be available via terrestrial transmissions if it decides to join FreeView.[7]

Quality

The quality [of the signal] will be stunning. People wouldn't recognise it.… It's not what you get on Sky now, it's much better.

— Rick Freisen, COO of CanWest TVWorks[14]

The government will let the broadcasters decide whether to broadcast in high definition.[12] TVNZ does not currently have plans on HDTV[14] while Prime will start broadcasting in high definition by July 2008.[15]

Other content

An electronic programme guide[12] and the current TVNZ owned Teletext[16] will be available.

Technology

The satellite Optus D1[13] was successfully launched on 13 October 20:56 GMT, satellite broadcasting covering the whole country will start in early to mid 2007. UHF terrestrial broadcasting covering 75 percent of the population initially will be introduced over a 12 to 18 month period.[12] Terrestrial coverage may eventually reach 92 percent.[2]

BCL will lease a transponder on Optus D1, which will be subleased to the FreeView broadcasters. BCL will also broadcast the digital terrestrial signals using its existing towers.[12]

The broadcasters are currently discussing their broadcasting contracts with BCL. This is being done individually instead of collectively under FreeView.[2]

New Zealand standardised on DVB in 2001 with NZS6610:2001. New Zealand's rugged topography means multipath is inevitable. ATSC cannot handle multipath well, so it was not chosen.[17] TVNZ said digital terrestrial will be broadcast in MPEG4. Test broadcasts are in MPEG2, and satellite broadcasts will be in MPEG2. This means people who took part in the Auckland digital trial will not get FreeView.

FreeView will certify set-top boxes but will not sell them—this will be up to electronics retailers.[2]

FreeView is currently discussing with Telecom about the provision of IPTV over ADSL. [18]

Trials

TVNZ currently operates a test DVB-T broadcast from Waiatarua to the Auckland area. Five channels are available: TV ONE, TV2, DW-TV, CCTV-9 and a widescreen test channel.[19]

TVNZ also has a DVB-S service on Optus B1. TV ONE, TV2, Māori TV, DW-TV, CCTV-9, Bloomberg TV Asia Pacific Channel and a widescreen test channel are all available. TV ONE and TV2 each have 2 regional versions: Wellington and Christchurch; these only differ in the advertisements carried.[20] NASA TV and the Auckland version of TV ONE and TV2 were dropped on 25 July 2006.[21]

Finance

The government will pay up to NZ$25 million and provide free radio spectrum, estimated to be worth up to NZ$10 million, during the transition to digital.[1] The companies involved will pay the remaining $50 million.[8] The government claims a NZ$230 million benefit to the economy.[1] This is the second digital TV system attempted by the government. The first attempt in 2000 wasted NZ$6.8 million.[8] FreeView may turn into for-profit after the analogue switch off.[1]

It will cost Alt TV NZ$600,000 a year to broadcast on FreeView. Canterbury TV estimates it will need to pay NZ$1 million a year if it joins FreeView.[3]

Competition

Sky currently has a FTA package where channels similar to the ones available on FreeView are available from NZ$18.29 per month plus an installation fee.[22] It is generally used by people who cannot get a high quality signal from analogue terrestrial free-to-air broadcasting.[5] Sky stands to lose around 90,000 customers as FreeView provides a similar service for a one off fee only however on freeview only 20 channels are avalible on the satellite & only 4 new channels are estimated at launch which will mean sky will probably be unaffected. [23] A Sky dish can be used to receive FreeView but a separate set-top box may be required.[5][24]

Political reaction

The Green Party said it wants more funding for New Zealand made programmes, a local content quota, a public service channel, and cheaper set-top boxes.[25] The government said that no extra funding would be available, a quota is not necessary and the technology will get cheaper over time.[26]

The National Party said it thought of the idea first and it wants more details from the government.[27]

References

  1. ^ a b c d e f "Free-to-air digital TV to begin roll-out" (Press release). New Zealand Government. 2006-06-15. Retrieved 2006-06-15. {{cite press release}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  2. ^ a b c d e Maharey, Steve et al. (2006). Free-To-Air Digital Announcement video (Press conference). {{cite AV media}}: Explicit use of et al. in: |authors= (help); External link in |title= (help)
  3. ^ a b Drinnan, John (2006-07-28). "Freeview sets big charge for entry". The National Business Review. {{cite news}}: |access-date= requires |url= (help); Check date values in: |date= (help)
  4. ^ "Independent Broadcaster Signed". OpenMedia. Retrieved 2006-07-17.
  5. ^ a b c d Trevett, Claire (2006-06-15). "18 TV channels and it's all free". NZ Herald. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  6. ^ a b c McKenzie-Minifie, Martha (2006-07-29). "Please adjust your set for a digital revolution". New Zealand Herald. APN Holdings NZ Ltd. Retrieved 2006-07-29. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  7. ^ a b Drinnan, John (2006-06-23). "Prime Television delays moving to Freeview". The National Business Review. {{cite news}}: |access-date= requires |url= (help); Check date values in: |date= (help); Cite has empty unknown parameter: |1= (help)
  8. ^ a b c d "Digital TV critics warn more channels may dilute quality". Stuff. 2006-06-15. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  9. ^ Parker, Stephen (Reporter) (2006). Free-to-air Digital TV (TV-News). TV3. {{cite AV media}}: External link in |title= (help)
  10. ^ Brown, Russell (2006). "The Future of Media Regulation in NZ: Is There One?" (PDF). Broadcasting Standards Authority. p. 20. Retrieved 2006-07-07. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help); Unknown parameter |month= ignored (help)
  11. ^ Drinnan, John (2006-08-04). "Media bytes: Sub-leasing on Freeview". The National Business Review. {{cite news}}: |access-date= requires |url= (help); Check date values in: |date= (help); Cite has empty unknown parameter: |1= (help)
  12. ^ a b c d e "Free-to-Air Digital TV: Questions and Answers" (Press release). New Zealand Government. 2006-06-15. Retrieved 2006-06-15. {{cite press release}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  13. ^ a b "Government says 'yes' to a digital future for NZ" (Press release). THL Group. 2006-06-15. Retrieved 2006-06-15. {{cite press release}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  14. ^ a b Freisen, Rick; Ellis, Rick (2006). Digital TV on its way (TV-Show). TV ONE. {{cite AV media}}: External link in |title= (help)
  15. ^ Lewis, Ken (August 2006). "Kiwi HDTV". Tone. ParksideMedia. {{cite news}}: |access-date= requires |url= (help)
  16. ^ "FreeView Digital Broadcasting Information Summarised FAQ". Free-To-Air Digital Television - TVNZ. 2006. Retrieved 2006-06-15.
  17. ^ "Transmission Platforms". Digital Television Discussion Document 2001. Retrieved 2006-07-07.
  18. ^ Pullar-Strecker, Tom (2006-07-24). "Sky watches broadband move". Stuff. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  19. ^ "Digital Terrestrial". FreeView Equipment Shop. Retrieved 2006-07-07.
  20. ^ "Optus B1 at 160.0°E". LyngSat. Retrieved 2006-07-07.
  21. ^ "Optus B1 Changes for TVNZ". OpenMedia. Retrieved 2006-07-26.
  22. ^ "Can I temporarily disconnect SKY when I'm away on holiday?". Sky TV frequently asked questions. Retrieved 2006-06-20.
  23. ^ Poland, Owen (Reporter) (2006). Freeview TV to hit Sky hard (TV-News). TV ONE. {{cite AV media}}: External link in |title= (help)
  24. ^ "TV viewers may need two boxes". Stuff. 2006-07-03. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  25. ^ "Digital TV good news but local content essential" (Press release). Green Party. 2006-06-15. Retrieved 2006-06-17. {{cite press release}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  26. ^ "Digital Television—Local Content Funding". Hansard, Questions for oral answer. 2006-06-20. Retrieved 2006-07-26.
  27. ^ "Picture on digital TV plans still blurry" (Press release). New Zealand National Party. 2006-06-15. Retrieved 2006-06-17. {{cite press release}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
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