TV Rotorua and ITV Live [Info-Rotorua] are excited to announce the launch of the Freeview | HD signal into Rotorua last week. Both channels are now available on the Freeview | HD platform with TV Rotorua on Channel 31 and ITV Live on Channel 32.

The Freeview HD service means that for the first time, Rotorua households can pick up free-to-air digital television directly through a UHF aerial.

“It’s never been cheaper or easier for Rotorua residents to get Freeview. If you’ve already got a UHF aerial, then all you need is an approved Freeview HD digital receiver, says TV Rotorua Station Manager, Steve Comber.

The Freeview | HD service was originally launched in 2008 reaching only 75% of the New Zealand population which excluded the city of Rotorua receiving the service. The Rotorua Television Trust [TV Rotorua] has lobbied since before 2008 for this service to be extended to include the city of Rotorua. This service has now been extended to reach an estimated 87% of the population of NZ.

“Televisions made in the last two or three years may have a Freeview HD receiver built in, in which case you can watch digital television straight away without buying anything extra.”

The Freeview | HD digital service can also be received via PlayTV [Sony Playstation attachment] and via TIVO.

“Freeview is the only way people will be able to receive free television after New Zealand begins switching over to digital only television from the end of next year.”

Mr Comber says making the move to Freeview | HD is both cost effective and easy. Not only is it free but the picture and sound are one hundred times better than the old analogue signal.

With the Freeview |HD digital service now available in Rotorua this will ensure that Rotorua residents are not only assured that their local channels can continue to serve the region but the quality and ease of reception is far superior to the outgoing analogue service.

TV Rotorua and ITV Live cannot be received via a satellite service such as Freeview Satellite or SKY TV.

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Contact Steve Comber, TV Rotorua 07 348 8984

tvrotorua.co.nz / info-rotorua.com