The official launch date for the new Freeview high-definition, digital-terrestrial TV service has finally been announced.

On April 2 the Freeview HD service will join its satellite based sibling, launched last year, to provide New Zealand with a complete digital broadcast platform for free to air TV channels. The existing Freeview satellite service is already providing crystal clear, digital TV (in standard definition) to the entire country, and the new terrestrial service (so-called because it is transmitted using traditional land based towers and requires a UHF aerial to receive rather than a dish) will introduce New Zealand to the exciting prospect of high definition TV. The broadcast area covers 75% of the population from launch day including Auckland, Hamilton, Tauranga, Palmerston North, Napier, Hastings, Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin.

In addition to HD, there are plenty of other benefits to be had by using digital instead of traditional analogue variety; digital TV is much less susceptible to interference, can be broadcast in 16:9 widescreen, supports 5.1 Dolby Digital surround sound and offers a full 8-day electronic programming guide. More channels will be on offer too. In addition to TV1 and TV2, TVNZ will broadcast TVNZ6 (family and local programming), TVNZ7 (news, current affairs and documentaries) and Sport Extra while TV Works will broadcast TV3 and C4 at launch and add a further two channels within two years. Other channels available at launch are Maori TV and Parliament TV.

At launch time TV3 will be broadcasting around 12 hours of primetime shows in high def while TVNZ appears to be taking a much more leisurely approach -- barring the 2008 Olympics, don't expect to see anything in high def until late next year on TVNZ stations. Locally produced shows like news and sports bulletins will also have to wait to make the HD switch as the various networks must first upgrade their studio cameras and associated hardware and software.

In order to receive Freeview HD customers will need to purchase a compatible digital receiver or set top box. And to be able to view Freeview HD in high def, a TV with a resolution of at least 1280x720 will be required. A Freeview accredited set top box made by Zinwell will be available from day one and is expected to retail for around $500. These prices should quickly tumble as more manufacturers release compatible receivers and PVR’s (personal video recorders). Freeview places no restrictions on manufacturing and as such anyone can make and market a Freeview HD compatible device. On the upside, most households already have a UHF aerial installed and won’t require any further hardware or wiring in order to recieve.

Here at PC World we’ve been tuned into Freeview HD for weeks now via a PC-based installation as the network has been broadcasting live for some time. If you’d like to get a jump on the launch date keep an eye on our Hot Products blog for a complete how-to guide coming soon to PCWorld.co.nz.