Less than 100 days left to go digital

Less than 100 days left to go digital

Time is fast running out for people in the South Island who are still to go digital.

Friday January 18 marked 100 days until television across the South Island goes digital. After 28 April everyone who wants to watch TV will need to have Freeview, SKY, Igloo or TelstraClear cable TV.

Nearly nine out of 10 households across the South Island have gone digital and will be able to continue watching TV after 28 April. However over 10 per cent of households have not gone digital and will only be able to watch TV for another 100 days unless they take action.

"Television viewing is one of the leading leisure activities in New Zealand and over the next 100 days we will be doing everything we can to make sure everyone in the South Island who wants to keep watching TV knows what they need to do," said Going Digital National Manager Greg Harford.

Over the next 100 days Going Digital staff will be out and about in the South Island talking with people and discussing what needs to be done to make sure everyone can keep watching TV.

You don't need a new TV to go digital but everyone will need a TV with Freeview built-in or the right set-top box together with a UHF aerial or satellite dish. "The services available differ depending on where you live so it pays to check," said Mr Harford.

I'm recommending people take action now to go digital. When Hawke's Bay went digital last year there were people who waited until the last minute and then had to go without TV for a time because installers were fully booked," said Mr Harford.

Another thing to keep in mind is the fact that every TV needs to go digital if it is to continue receiving pictures as do DVD and video recorders.

Anyone with questions on the move to digital TV can visit www.goingdigital.co.nz or call 0800 838 800.

For media enquiries contact Going Digital Senior Communications Adviser Laura Jones on 04 472 3232 or 027 705 9151.

Going Digital Facts

• The whole of the South Island needs to have made the switch on or before 28 April 2013 to continue watching TV
• The West Coast successfully went digital on 30 September 2012 
• Everyone needs to get Freeview, SKY, Igloo or TelstraClear cable television to keep watching TV.
• TelstraClear cable is only available in Christchuch
• You don't need a new TV to go digital.

Where can I get more information?

• Call Going Digital on 0800 838 800
• Visit www.goingdigital.co.nz