Crystal-clear television is on the way to more Wairarapa homes than ever, with FreeviewHD set to reach most aerials by June.
FreeviewHD is available via the UHF aerial in 75 per cent of New Zealand homes, including all the major centres, but not in Wairarapa.
But that is set to change, with
the region one of 10 secondary areas around the country set to get access to the technology.
Phil Johnston, director of Auckland broadcast company Johnston, Dick and Associates which has won the government contract to provide the service, said the change was part of a national upgrade to completely phase out analogue television in favour of digital by 2013.
He said a new transmitter, which relies on line-of-sight transmission, would be based at Popoiti, east of Greytown, and would take in all of the Wairarapa plains, "from Masterton to Lake Ferry", including Martinborough.
"It will cover to the east as well to a certain extent, and in the rural areas, some people will get it and some won't. But they still have the satellite option."
Many Masterton viewers will need to redirect their UHF "90 degrees clockwise" to pick up the new signal, which currently stems from Bennett's Hill.
"And those in Featherston might be able to keep theirs as they are."
The new service provides crystal-clear pictures for free once a Freeview box or TV is installed.
Rian Slykerman from Masterton firm Aerials Are Us said currently only those with Sky or a FreeviewHD box could pick up the signal, which comes via the same satellite as Sky.
He said viewers would be able to purchase new Freeview boxes which, similar to satellite boxes, would pick up the signal via UHF.
He said the difference for Wairarapa viewers would ultimately be in picture quality.
"People will be able to see more Freeview channels but the real advantage is that it's in high definition."
