Thousands yet to switch to digital

Many Northlanders not set for move to digital TV

More than 5000 Northland households are estimated to have television sets that won't work when the region goes digital later this year.

New research by the public information campaign Going Digital shows that an estimated 5238 Northland homes have televisions that won't work once analogue TV is progressively switched off on December 1.

After that date, everyone in Northland who wants to watch TV will need to have Freeview, Sky TV or Igloo.

"I'm recommending people take action now to go digital. When Hawke's Bay went digital last year there were people who waited until the last minute and then had to go without TV for a time because installers were fully booked," Going Digital national manager Greg Harford said.

Right up until December, Going Digital staff will be out and about in Northland talking with people and discussing what needs to be done to make sure everyone can keep watching TV.

"You don't need a new TV to go digital but everyone will need a TV with Freeview built-in or the right set-top box together with a UHF aerial or satellite dish," he said.

"The services available depend on where you live. People can check coverage areas at www.goingdigital.co.nz/myhouse or by calling 0800 838 800.

"Another thing to keep in mind is the fact that every TV needs to go digital if it is to continue receiving pictures as do DVD and video recorders."