New Zealand’s Freeview is a hit

New Zealand’s DTH service Freeview proves to be a winner with audiences down under, reports the ABU. Within three months after launch more than 21,000 set-top-boxes have been sold, taking the total number of households with free-to-air digital satellite reception to an estimated 41,000.

Freeview General Manger Steve Browning said when the service was launched, the target was 40,000 households – or 100,000 New Zealanders – accessing the satellite service within a year. “We’re tracking well ahead of forecast as our initial 12-month take-up projection has been surpassed in our first quarter. It’s a great result, which indicates that people do want crystal clear, digital quality, and they want it for free,” he said to TVNZ-New Zealand.

Since its launch, Freeview has announced the addition of new television services. These include TVNZ Sport Extra, TVNZ 6 with its Kidzone, Family and Showcase services, and a Freeview satellite exclusive version of the highly regarded Triangle Television – Triangle Stratos. “The addition of these services can only enrich the viewing experience that Freeview offers and shows we are tracking well towards our target of 12-15 television services by the end of next year,” Mr Browning said.