Freeview NZ approaches the 200,000 homes mark

Freeview, New Zealand’s free to air digital television and radio platform, today released the latest quarter of retail figures for digital receiver sales.

At the end of 2008, 198,938 receivers had been sold, with an additional 38,442 sold during the three months ending 31st December. This equates to an estimated 12.6% of New Zealand homes now enjoying free-to-air digital television via Freeview’s crystal clear satellite and HD terrestrial services. The Freeview|HD™ service, which launched in April 2008, is growing rapidly with 53,522 HD capable receivers sold including over 13,000 in December alone.

“The feedback we’re getting from retailers around the country is that Kiwis are increasingly attracted to the sort of priceless entertainment that Freeview provides, courtesy of a one-off cost and no monthly subscription,” says Steve Browning, General Manager, Freeview NZ.

“And we know from recent reports that New Zealanders spent more time than ever before watching television last year – an average of three hours and eight minutes a day. This is the highest level of television viewership achieved in New Zealand since records began and people clearly want to watch a quality digital picture. We are also benefiting from the high demand for TVs with Freeview|HD built-in, and the launch of the MyFreeview|HD™ service also contributed to the excellent December sales.

The Freeview|HD™ service now has eleven TV and three radio services, while the Freeview Satellite service features twelve TV and four radio services.