Freeview confirmed for 2009
- Published by David Knox
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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
is tassie going to recieve these channels because we never got one hd after running out and spending big money on a tv being a massive footy fan
When will Freeview broadcasts for the Newcastle / Central Coast start in NSW,
Thanks David. Check out freeview website and read their Media Release statement in response to the Herald Sun report which is the cause of my concern. I am sure it will put you in the picture.
Hope other TV Tonight bloggers will do the same.
I have read where the television network stations are considering a change to broadcast in MPEG4 format to replace the current MPEG2. This is to take place about the same time as the introduction to Freeview, therefore rendering current TV’s , set top boxes, PVR’s useless, as they will not be able to receive the updated MPEG4 system. The article also stated that the Freeview branded products will conform to the new MPEG4 standard.
This news has delayed my decision to update my current CRT TV to a more modern LCD/LED TV.
Can you cast any further light on the planned move to MPEG4 transmission and when the new Freeview branded products will make their way to the stores?
Paul I’m not a tech blog so I don’t want to give you any incorrect info, plus it sounds like conflicting info out there, even from where I stand.
Visiting for winter from UK. Dave is a great channel and you poor Aussies have so much rehashed stuff to suffer. Top Gear from 2003 is hardly new! All the channels mimic each other in awfulness and don’t even get me started on SBS. No wonder you all love sport – there is nothing else to do (well, sort of). Freeview is pretty pointless without some $$$ buys that are new by the TV companies so that they can show something fresh. Only public pressure will force tv moguls to get into the 21st century and give a set of schedules that is more than clone soaps and minority sports! Keep at complaining!
When are the ABC and SBS going to transmit in proper High definition?
Their “HD” channels are certainly not high definition at present, particularly when viewed on a full HD set. Wake up Aunty!
ABC “HD is never more then 720 and because 1080 divided by 720 equals 1.5 (not an even number) you get a degradation of sharpness caused by trying to fit 1.5 pixels into 2 on a proper HD set.
SBS is even worse. When their original material is in “HD 720”, their SD channel version is all crinkly because they apparently don’t have an expensive down converter to SD.
Every time the commercial channels show original material that is not high definition on their “HD” channel, the TV set indicator claims that it is HD – which of course it is a lie.
No wonder the average person can’t tell the difference between Full HD, HD & SD!
Wake up people the whole thing is just a marketing wank. All channels have 3 or 4 versions of their primary channels now, but whats on them? just a redefused version of the crap thats on the other ones. eg SBS three channels of the same program plus sometimes an allday weather channel. Australia is being sold a pup as ussual.
A-PAC on Digital TV in Jun-July 09.
What the? is Freeview a scam?, when are we expected to have these so called 15 new stations minus “one HD” Please advise, getting restless!
I have had digital tv for 5 years. So when will I get Freeview. What ever that is?? I have looked on your website but could not find a date other than maybe June 1 2009.
What channels are freeview on?
My Grandparents have a HD TV and I scrolled through it yesterday adn could not find these 15 new channels.
Can you please send me the channel numbers and/or how to get freeview on the TV.
Kind Regards
Adam Wilson
It’s not 15 new, it’s 15 digital. So you can include the channels we already have. (ABC, ABC2, ABC HD, 7, 7HD, 9, 9HD, TEn, ONE HD, ONE SD etc).
These channels are listed as I have scrolled down with the remote plus the radio channels I receive in Mackay. Whats the point if they play the same thing.
1. ABC 1 2. SBS 3. SC 10 Mackay
4. 7 DIG 5. WIN TV Mackay 6. ABC HDTV
7. ABC 2 8. ABC 3 9. SBS HD
10. SBS 2 11. SBS 3 12. SBS 4
13. SC TEN HD 14. SC TEN 15. 7 HD
16. 7 DIG 1 17. 7 DIG 2 18. 7 DIG 3
19. WIN HD Plus 4 radio Channels
what are the channels that are coming?
is there going to be fox 8
and mtv
and stuff like that?
No. There are plenty of articles on Freeview on this site. We already have most of these channels now (ie 7, 7HD, ABC, ABC2, 9, 9HD, etc.). It remains free to air with about 2 more to be announced.
I’m waiting….. ok so channel 10 is beginning on March 26, when are the other channels supposed to begin or do we have to wait another 12 months for them all to get their act together… Come on, you’ve all had enough time so lets get it on!!
tell me the truth when is freeview coming on please
Freeview is exactly the same as what you receive now minus a proper functioning EPG. This is just a marketing tool to get more people buying STB so that when analogue is switched off, there won’t be as many people complaining
the adds that where promotiong them (new channels)went off the air a few months ago now but were are they?
when is the suppose date of the channels going on air?
Its a rollout. So far Only ONE is announced March 26.
my name is craig i just want to know when is freeview on i am at bundaberg qld that is it thankyou
There is no official launch date. There will be a roll out in different stages. Further stories will be added to this site as information is received.
is a-pac on digital tv…
The UK version of Freeview, upon which ours is apparently based, has 48 TV channels, 24 radio channels, and a fully functioning EPG.
There’s even a bloke channel called “Dave”…
From what we’ve seen to date, it looks like our telcos have saddled us with yet another half-arsed version of 21st century technology.
We’ve already got crap broadband, and now we’re getting crap TV to boot.
Way to go Australia, yet another lost opportunity.
YAY!! 15 More Channels –message 2 Self must buy more blank DVDs record!!
Record!! Record!! LOL.. I Know It’s Coming I Just Wanna Know When….sic of waiting It’s all We seem 2 do!!!! Theyr’e Messin with us. Ooh it’s the freeview Ad….No ETA… Grrrrr Dammit
well its great to know that there is free view but the thing is what do i need to get free view because i got SBS HD and i want to know where is the rest of the channels????
(-_-)
I noticed that everyone writing has the same problem as me, frustrated with free to air as we are still waiting for something to happen. All we get are ads paid by the government to say how great this is but no action or information about when we will start seeing better content on our channels.
From what I have read I assume that only those on analog (not digital) will have to buy new equipment. That will be a SD box and digital antenna, you can still use your old TVs. To get SD & HD you need to have a HD TV & HD box & digital antenna. You will have problems if you have a HD box and your TV is not HD.
At present EPG is a waste of time as every time I go to check whats on, 90% have No Comment.
It would be good if the government wasted more money, by placing on the net, exactly what is going to happen, when exactly and what is needed. I am tired of watching the ads, its time for action.
I noticed a couple of comments concerning wether more SD channels should be permitted. Please consider that not all TV consumers out there have or can afford a HD TV. HD TV’s can recieve SD signals but not the other way around..please correct me if I am wrong. I am quite happy with my current SD TV. Anyway I think that our mutual interest is in the actual content that will be broadcast. I agree with those who say that Pay TV is too expensive. I have friends who have it and to justify it’s expense they just sit there all day watching the silly thing. You know…..”Shush I’m watching this program cause I am paying good money for it”!! I don’t go and visit them anymore!! But just perhaps the new “Freeview” will gives us all some alternatives in our TV watching.?? Thanks for my chance to make a few comments. I actually like ABC2 cause they do have some good stuff on .. music..classic albums.. concerts and some stuff off ABC1 at a more appropriate time for me to watch!! Let’s hope the other channels do the same!!