In 2009, television will be brand new. Well, at least the opportunity to see a full complement of digital television will be brand new – across all networks, across all of Australia, for free.
When Freeview launches in 2009, viewers with the right equipment will have 15 channels to choose from, including those currently on air. Most Australian viewers will be able to receive five High Definition (HD) and 10 Standard Definition (SD) channels, making a total of 15 Freeview digital channels.
To enable you to know what’s on and when, there is an electronic program guide (EPG) as part of the free service.
To access freeview, you need a digital set-top box, a digital video recorder or an integrated digital television. There are no contracts or fees to view the extra channels.
The launch of Freeview is the first time all of Australia’s free-to-air broadcasters, including the public broadcasters, have joined forces to pool resources for a major television campaign. And it’s expected to lead to a major uptake of digital television. Australia will phase out analogue transmission, which is due to switch off in 2013.
To receive all 15 Freeview channels, along with the Freeview EPG, households will be able to purchase digital set-top boxes to work with their existing analogue television sets. These boxes will be badged with the Freeview logo and available in stores next year.
Alternatively, people will be able to buy a Freeview branded integrated flat screen plasma or LCD digital television. In addition, a Freeview branded Digital Video Recorder will allow viewers to use the electronic program guide to record their favourite programs and watch them whenever they like.
The Chair of Freeview, Mr Kim Dalton, ABC Director of Television, says the new service will change the face of television while ensuring all Australians continue to enjoy the great range of programming offered by free-to-air networks.
“Freeview is perhaps the most important thing to happen in Australian television since Bruce Gyngell made history back in 1956 with those three simple words, ‘Welcome to television’,” Mr Dalton said.
For more information visit the Freeview website.
