Marlborough left behind in TV switchover

The switch to digital television in April 2013 could cause "pandemonium" throughout Marlborough because people are uninformed, a Blenheim television technician says.

Marlborough will not get high-definition (HD) digital television when the changeover occurs because the necessary transmitter network is not being extended to this region.

That could mean no television for viewers who relied on the analogue service and had not subscribed to Freeview or Sky TV.

Marlborough TV Services owner Rod Thompson said most people were confused about the changeover and did not know what equipment was required for the new system.

To get the digital television service, people will need to buy a special decoder and satellite dish at a cost of about $425.

In major centres in New Zealand, viewers will be able to access FreeviewHD automatically because it comes pre-installed in most new televisions, Mr Thompson said.

However, the exclusion of Marlborough from the transmission network meant there was no need for Marlborough residents "to rush out and buy a new television."

They would need to buy a decoder for every television in their home and a satellite dish to view the digital service, he said. Decoders cost up to $200 while a dish costs about $225.

Last year the Government announced all analogue services in New Zealand would be switched off by December 2013.

Mr Thompson feared that unless people were better informed about the change many would be plunged into darkness in two years' time and technicians in Marlborough would not be able to keep up with demand.

It is estimated 30 per cent of New Zealand households with television still use the analogue service.

"You imagine if they turned it off ... all the old ladies and pensioners with no television, they'd be up in arms." He urged people not to wait until the last minute to update.

Harvey Norman spokesman Andrew McCaa said all customers who bought televisions at the store were told they would need a dish to receive digital television in Marlborough when the change was made.

The switch to digital television in April 2013 could cause "pandemonium" throughout Marlborough because people are uninformed, a Blenheim television technician says. Marlborough will not get high-definition (HD) digital television when the changeover occurs because the necessary transmitter network is not being extended to this region. That could mean no television for viewers who relied on the analogue service and had not subscribed to Freeview or Sky TV. Marlborough TV Services owner Rod Thompson said most people were confused about the changeover and did not know what equipment was required for the new system. To get the digital television service, people will need to buy a special decoder and satellite dish at a cost of about $425. In major centres in New Zealand, viewers will be able to access FreeviewHD automatically because it comes pre-installed in most new televisions, Mr Thompson said. However, the exclusion of Marlborough from the transmission network meant there was no need for Marlborough residents "to rush out and buy a new television." They would need to buy a decoder for every television in their home and a satellite dish to view the digital service, he said. Decoders cost up to $200 while a dish costs about $225. Last year the Government announced all analogue services in New Zealand would be switched off by December 2013. Mr Thompson feared that unless people were better informed about the change many would be plunged into darkness in two years' time and technicians in Marlborough would not be able to keep up with demand. It is estimated 30 per cent of New Zealand households with television still use the analogue service. "You imagine if they turned it off ... all the old ladies and pensioners with no television, they'd be up in arms." He urged people not to wait until the last minute to update. Harvey Norman spokesman Andrew McCaa said all customers who bought televisions at the store were told they would need a dish to receive digital television in Marlborough when the change was made.

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