If you're looking for an excuse to buy a new TV, a national roll out of digital television may be the ticket.
The analogue TV system is being progressively switched off over the next few years and Going Digital, part of the Ministry for Culture and Heritage, is telling the publicthey don't need a new TV, but some new equipment could be required.
Video technician at Aerials Are Us in Masterton Rian Slykerman said the cost of a UHF aerial varied depending on where you were, but generally cost about $75.
"Ultimately you would be better off buying a new TV," he said.
Freeview media spokesman Dwayne Alexander said most people did not know newer television sets were already using the digital network and so would not need any new equipment.
"Most new TVs do have it installed in them," he said.
Freeview's website has digital receivers starting at $199 as a one-off payment.
A basic Sky package starts at $47.66 a month, and extras such as sports and movie channels cost at least an extra $20 a month each.
National manager of Going Digital Greg Harford said it was already clear most New Zealanders had made the switch to digital TV.
In the Wellington region eight out of every 10 households were already receiving digital TV.
"Going digital means there is better reception and sound quality and more channels available to you," Harford said.
The lower North Island will be completely digital by September 2013.
There are no statistics available from Going Digital about how many houses in Wairarapa are on the digital network.
