Flicking over to digital promises

Digital television is coming to New Zealand screens next year in what Broadcasting Minister Steve Maharey last night described as the biggest broadcasting breakthrough since colour TV.

But it will come at a cost to viewers (the set-top boxes will cost about $200) and to taxpayers, with the Government committing $25 million over the next five years.

There is no need to race out for the set-top box just yet. No date has been set to end the analogue service and Mr Maharey indicated could be in six to 10 years - or further out.

The plan was criticised by National broadcasting spokeswoman Georgina te Heuheu, who said the lack of pricing for viewers and the country was "alarming".

Greens broadcasting spokeswoman Sue Kedgley said viewers could be swamped with overseas programmes.

Mr Maharey said analogue transmission was on the way out, and the transition to digital was essential if free-to-air broadcasting was to be maintained.

"The issue now is not whether we go digital but whether we are getting there soon enough."

Digital TV promises more channels and and crystal-clear reception.

It should be good news for people in areas with bad reception, where the only option so far has been to join up to Sky.

TVNZ and Canwest, which owns TV3 and C4, have each taken up six of the channels. Prime could also sign up and some regional stations, such as Alt TV, are looking at buying in.

While all networks are keeping their plans for new channels under wraps, some ideas have included dedicated news and documentary channels and repeating the TV One 6pm news at a later time on another channel. Mr Maharey said digital also offered the potential of interactive services, which could include health advice, education, email, consumer services, and choice of coverage of sports events.