The New Zealand free-to-air platform Freeview has launched a three-channel package of HD channels over the country’s terrestrial network. The move is significant because the operation has chosen the MHEG-5 technology that would most likely be deployed in the UK when HD services are introduced over DTT next year. The MHEG-5 technology has been supplied by the UK interactive playout specialists Strategy & Technology (S&T).
The NZ Freeview service, branded Freeview|HDTM comprises of three HD channels, TVONE, TV2 and TV3 as well as a bouquet of seven standard definition channels and two radio services. TVNZ will also be broadcasting this year’s Beijing Olympics in HD.
Freeview|HDTM will cover approximately 75 per cent of New Zealand homes across Auckland, Hamilton, Tauranga, Palmerston North, Napier, Hastings, Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin.
An implementation of HD and MHEG-5 is in place for next month’s UK launch of the free-to-air satellite service Freesat.
