New Zealand outlines analogue TV switchover process

New Zealand’s Broadcasting Minister, Trevor Mallard has outlined the process for managing the country’s switch to digital television.
” The switchover is still some years away but the cabinet has signed off on the transition process to make sure good planning is in place.
At the moment about 45% of households receive digital television and the final date for analogue switch-off will be finalised once that figure has reached 75% of television households or in 2012, whichever occurs first” Mallard said.
He went on to say that switchover is likely to occur progressively on a region-by-region basis during a one-year transitional period. There will also be trial switch-offs in some areas to test the consumer and industry responses.
A steering group made up of industry and government representatives will be formed to manage the transition, ensuring that there is good public information and to address issues of consumer interest before the final switch-off.
Source: Asia Pacific Broadcasting Union
Item: Cabinet paper on switchover
Item added: 4th December 2007