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Freeview confirmed for 2009

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NOTE: There are now later posts on the state of play for Freeview than this story, please refer via search function or News posts.

Freeview will launch in Australian in 2009.

The ABC, SBS, the Seven Network, the Nine Network, Network TEN, Prime, WIN and Southern Cross have joined forces to deliver the free-to-air digital television platform. The media companies will comprise a new not-for-profit organisation, chaired by the ABC’s Kim Dalton.

Freeview will offer 15 television channels from free-to-air broadcasters on digital platforms, including new channels from the big three commercial networks. It will not include subscription TV.

Freeview operates in the UK with an EPG at no cost to viewers, with no satellite dish, no subscription, no ties, no contracts, and no installation costs.

Press Release:
Australia’s free-to-air commercial television networks together with the nation’s public broadcasters today formally announced the establishment of Freeview.

The consortium has been formed to help drive take-up of the free-to-air digital television platform in Australia.

Freeview shareholders include the ABC, SBS, the Seven Network, the Nine Network, Network Ten, Prime, WIN and Southern Cross. The ABC’s Director of Television, Kim Dalton, will Chair the not-for-profit organisation.

Mr Kim Dalton says Freeview will work to ensure all Australians continue to enjoy the great range of programming offered by free-to-air broadcasters as the nation transitions from the analogue to the digital platform.

“This is an extraordinary step forward for the free-to-air broadcasters. Together we have pioneered digital television in Australia, investing millions in infrastructure and converting our equipment and studios accordingly. Now it’s time for Australians to reap the rewards; Freeview will offer viewers more channels, great content and the very best quality picture and sound,” Mr Dalton said.

From next year, Government legislation will allow the commercial free-to-air networks to broadcast an additional standard definition (SD) channel each, in addition to their primary SD channels, and their recently added high definition (HD) channels. The three new channels, together with the two ABC and two SBS channels and their respective HD channels, will bring to 15 the suite of channels to be marketed under the Freeview umbrella.

To receive all the Freeview channels, consumers will need an HD digital-set-top box, digital video recorder or an integrated digital television.

Freeview will be launching an awareness campaign in the coming months to ensure consumers are ready for when the full suite of 15 Freeview channels are available next year.

Ahead of the launch, Freeview is working with manufacturers to ensure appropriate technical standards are met on all television or digital set-top-box equipment that will carry the Freeview badge.

Freeview will work closely with all relevant areas of Government to ensure consistent messaging.

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131 Responses

  1. Hello Ladies and gents. I have read most of the comments from those on this site and they have given me some good info. I recently purchased a SD Set Top Box and connected to my “Older TV”. Well I am impressed with the clarity of the pic on this old TV. I get all 5 existing channels plus ABC2 and SBS World News(not that I watch that one much). Also I can get ABC DIG Radio/DIG Jazz Radio and 2 other SBS Radio channels. I do have a problem with Win Bendigo(9) signal strength. I think a signal amp may the the solution cause it either drops out or no signal. I just turn back to normal TV if I wish to watch Win. My SD tuner shows me that there are currently 19 digital channels that are transmitting TV -14SD and 5HD. If I can get just even another 5 channels on digital I will be happy. Will a signal amp help? I am in central Vic/Carisbrook near Maryborough?? Digital is so much clearer than the analogue pic. Content may be prob if the xtra channels just mirror the existing ones. Value your comments.

  2. This is nothing to get excited about. It’s just the commercial channels trying to stem the uptake of pay TV. They just don’t get it do they, everyone is sick and tired of endless commercials occasionally interrupted by some lowest common denominator dross fresh from the almighty US of A or a local version of reality(god help us if this is reality) TV. Give us a break please.

    We can already receive win and southern cross HD and SD and guess what there is virtually no programming on the HD channels just endless pretty pictures of OZ. So the obvious question is if they can’t make use of the HD channels they already have on air why another SD channel?

    At least the ABC, SBS and Ten utilize their HD channels to mirror there SD one.

    More hype with no substance it’s is a pity we have the technology and nothing to put to air, maybe the money wasted on this hype would have been better used to produce some programming and give some Aussies some work.

  3. Whether 15 or 100 new channels on ‘Freeview’ it will not make a damn of difference unless the powers that be, show different content on these channels not just re-runs of the rubbish they have on now.
    I for one will not watch unless its new – how about a dedicated movie channel, sport channel etc people will come over if its worth watching.
    Foxtel doesn’t fit the bill – too expensive, with a lot of rubbish channels I have never seen or want to see !

    Cheers

  5. When does the freeview network goimg to be up and running in western australia as i am eager to see what its is like as i am thinking of cancelling
    foxtel .I am also wondering what kind of programs or stations they intend
    running

  6. Remembering that this site is not actually a Tech Blog…..

    We are told Freeview will be available in areas that access HD digital. As there are so many factors from region to region you will need to contact your own local station.

  9. Hi. Have just discovered this forum for “freeview” and have something to add.
    I bought a digital set top box last year to boost/get a clearer picture. I live in an old block of flats. The box lists all of the channels that a previous person mentioned, but when I found I could not receive and HD signal, I did some homework. Older units do need to update their antennae to be facing the tower closest to them which offers the newer signals. I don’t see how many corporate bodies would want to rectify that.
    I also find that I get a clearer signal by using those horrible rabbit ear antennae. They still need to be adjusted daily those as the signal breaks up regularly.

  10. And personally im not understanding the secretcy towards all of this one min theres a add and it looks exciting and its freeview add that says we will receive extra channels and then later on down the track coming in 2009 15 channels there isnt enough information provided to us viewers and i believe by what I have read that theres gonna be alot of disappointment for all we have all watched and all waited and were all talking and by the sounds of it we are all going to be highly disappointed i think stop stuffing around why not tell us all what were gonna get when were gonna get it and where as i heard only certain locations this is false advertising i say disappointment.

  11. I dont see the big deal actually, living in North Qld we already have 17 digital and HD channels and have for the last couple of years, but what will be nice is when they scrub the 2nd,3rd 4th channel digital or HD of the respective programmers which play the same shows at the same time and replace it with something totally different.
    I’m looking forward the change

  13. hi i just woundering if us in little mt gambier region will get the 15 extra channels and what sort of arieal will i need to get these channels iat the moment i have a uhf arieal will that be good enough ect

  14. Use to get some epg on all channels …But now only …now amd next.
    on some chanels
    also… Descriptions can be non-existant. Or crap like.
    Movie : Late night movie.
    Desciption: – Scary move….Wow !!! I have to watch this !!
    What happened to the video guide chanels….
    Which had a little more info….
    Ten quide gone…Seven Guide gone….Nine Guide gone

  23. Is it cheaper for the networks to broadcast digital compared to analog?
    I saw an TV ad for FreeView tonight and it didn’t state any outgoing costs, but if you check the website it says you will need a box? How is that not false advertising?

  25. come on i mean this is just plain dumb and a waste of time hd and nomal dont matter as long as you can see what your watching it dont matter plese can someone tell me if any of the new chanels are of austar.

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