Digital TV switchover dates confirmed

Photo / Thinkstock

Dates for the switchover to digital television have been finalised, with Broadcasting Minister Jonathan Coleman today releasing the details.

It will occur in four stages:

* Hawke's Bay and the West Coast at 2am on Sunday 30 September, 2012.

* Rest of the South Island at 2am on Sunday 28 April, 2013.

* Lower North Island, Taranaki and Gisborne at 2am on Sunday 29 September, 2013.

* Rest of the North Island 2am Sunday 1 December, 2013.

Dr Coleman said the move was the biggest change to television broadcasting since the introduction of colour.

"We're planning for the start of a fully digital TV age where New Zealanders can enjoy better pictures and sound, more choice and benefits such as onscreen television guides," Dr Coleman said.

"Almost eight out of ten New Zealanders are already watching digital television and I'm encouraging those who are not, to plan and prepare now."

The Going Digital television and newspaper advertising campaign started today.

Households that have Freeview, Sky or TelstraClear, are already prepared for digital television. Other viewers do not need to buy a new television to go digital, but may need to buy a set-top box and possibly a new aerial or satellite dish depending on what equipment they have and where they live.

NZPA