Digital Television is a technical change to the present Analogue service which provides clearer pictures, sharper sound, better choice of programmes and interactive options. All round, a better viewing experience.
Freeview will bring free to air digital radio and TV to New Zealand viewers. At first it will be beamed down from a satellite (DTH, Direct to Home) to a dish and later, transmitted from hilltops and high-points (DTT Digital Terrestrial TV) to an aerial. DTH will be launched May 2007 and DTT early 2008.
Freeview comprises a group of free to air broadcasters (CanWest TVWorks, Maori Television Service, TVNZ, and Radio New Zealand) who have formed a not-for-profit joint venture to create a digital platform on which their channels and others can be broadcast.
Each broadcaster will decide which of its channels it will make available to Freeview. Notably Freeview is not TVNZ, but a group of broadcasters, one of whom is TVNZ.
Keep an eye out for future announcements about Freeview launch dates and availability of new digital services.