Freeview More Popular Than Ever

A combination of additional content and technological innovation has contributed to the strong continued growth of Freeview, the free-to-air digital broadcasting platform.

Freeview sales from retailers for the three months ended 30th September 2010 totalled 58,417 units, up from 54,456 in the previous quarter. This means that even more Kiwis are enjoying crystal-clear pictures, new channels, popular content and world-class digital technology for free.

And today, New Zealand Racing Board’s Trackside Channel will join the Freeview|HD® line up providing viewers with detailed, extensive coverage of New Zealand, Australian and international races, as well as a range of racing inspired programmes.

The launch of Trackside increases the number of channels available to New Zealanders on Freeview|HD® to at least 13 TV and three radio channels. In addition, Kiwis now have the ability to watch, pause, and record Freeview|HD ® with PlayStation® PlayTV®, launched last week. PlayTV® is a new device that connects via USB to PS3®, instantly adding DTR and Freeview |HD ® digital TV functions to the PS3® entertainment suite. In so doing it gives consumers yet another option for making the switch to digital television.

“As the year draws to a close we’re thrilled with the rate that viewers around the country are continuing to connect with the subscription free digital television proposition that Freeview offers. These latest developments are further evidence of our efforts to make it even more accessible,” says Sam Irvine, General Manager, Freeview.