Frequently asked questions

Why are the TV channel frequencies being changed?

New Zealand has a certain amount of radio spectrum that can be used for communications, broadcasting and other services. We want to make sure that we’re using our radio spectrum as efficiently as possible. So we are ‘restacking’ some of the digital television frequencies, which means that we’re moving them into a narrower band.

This means that the frequencies on which Freeview|HD is broadcast will change.

This will help us free up the 700 MHz radio spectrum band for new uses.

The frequencies are being progressively changed in 7 transmission areas across New Zealand from mid-2011 until late 2012.

What are the frequency changes for Freeview|HD® viewers?

Freeview|HD_® services are broadcast from local transmission towers. The frequencies on which these services are transmitted are going to be changed. If you are watching Sky, TelstraClear or Freeview satellite services, or you are not yet watching digital television, you will not be affected (unless you run your signal through a VCR using an RF modulator).

The changes will also not affect the Auckland area or any of the areas included in the recently announced extension of Freeview|HD_® coverage.

Who is affected?

The changes only potentially affect viewers of the terrestrial service received through an UHF antenna – i.e. people who watch TV through Freeview|HD.

If you use a satellite dish (Sky or Freeview), watch analogue television, or cable (TelstraClear), you are not affected. Viewers in Auckland and viewers covered by the recently announced Freeview|HD_® extension are also not affected.

How can I get my TV ready for the frequency changes?

You can’t re-tune your TV in advance of the change. But on the day the changes occur, if you switch on your TV and you don’t have a signal you’ll need to re-tune your Freeview|HD_® set-top box or television. See: How to retune your Freeview|HD_® equipment

When are the changes occurring?

Freeview|HD® frequencies were changed in the Kapiti region on the morning of 29th August 2011, Dunedin on the morning of 24th January 2012, Hawkes Bay on the morning of the 31st January 2012, Wharite on the morning of the 13th March 2012 and the Waikato & Bay of Plenty on the morning of the 8th May 2012.

Indicative dates for Wellington and Christchurch can be found here. Dates will be confirmed as the work proceeds.

Typically the changes will be done in the early hours of the morning to minimise inconvenience. 

I live in a multi-unit complex. How does it affect me?

Each complex is likely to be different. If your complex has Freeview|HD_® services provided from a central point to individual units, you should contact your building manager or Body Corporate. A visit from a technician to re-tune the central equipment is likely to be required.

However, individual viewers may also need to retune their Freeview|HD_® equipment. Talk to your complex manager in the first instance.

Is my VCR (or reception through my VCR) affected?

Depending on how it is connected to the television, your VCR may be affected. VCRs using audio and video leads are unaffected, however if you use a RF connection (typically a single coaxial cable), you may need to adjust the VCR output channels. Your VCR manual will explain how to do this. See: Information for users viewing analogue television through a VCR or radio frequency modulator who are experiencing reception problems.

I use a personal computer to receive Freeview|HD_®, am I affected?

Computers using PC cards or USB sticks generally use software programmes to select the wanted frequencies, and these will need to be set up again. There is unlikely to be an “auto update” function. 

Does this mean I’ll need to push a different button to watch my favourite TV channels?

No, the changes don’t affect which buttons you use to see each channel. The frequencies changing are those your TV uses to receive the Freeview|HD_® signal.