Digital switchover dates confirmed

Broadcasting Minister Jonathan Coleman today confirmed the final timetable for the switch from analogue television broadcasting to digital-only.

Calling it the "biggest change to television broadcasting since the introduction of colour", Coleman said the timetable provides a certainty to viewers who have not yet made the switch.

The Minister said already nearly eight out of ten Kiwis already watch digital television, but he encouraged those who have not yet made the switch to prepare now.

The switchover will occur in four stages:

• Hawke's Bay and the West Coast at 2:00am on Sunday 30 September 2012
• Rest of the South Island at 2:00am on Sunday 28 April 2013
• Lower North Island, Taranaki and Gisborne at 2:00am on Sunday 29 on September 2013
• Rest of the North Island at 2:00am on Sunday 1 December 2013.

Today's announcement coincides with the launch of the Going Digital television and newspaper campaign to let people know what's involved with the switchover.

Households with Freeview, Sky or TelstraClear, are already set for digital television. Find out if you need any equipment ahead of the switch.

Photo credit: ellenm1 via Flickr.