Are you ready for digital?
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- Written by By James Kenny, Account Manager, SKY Business
We thought it would be helpful to look further into the most frequently asked questions that many Hotel/Motel operators have in relation to the pending TV analogue signal switch-off.
To recap, New Zealand is going digital with the analogue signal that brings in TV1, TV2, TV3 C4, Prime and Maori channels via hill-top transmitters being switched off.
The Hawkes Bay and South Island's West Coast will be the first regions affected from September 2012 and the remainder of the country in 2013.
If you already receive the Free to Air (FTA) channels via either Freeview or SKY's Guest Select decoders then you should be fine. You are on Digital now, and no doubt enjoying crystal-clear pictures on all your channels.
However, if you receive the FTA's via an analogue VHF aerial, one that is pointing to the hill-top transmitters, then you need to consider how you will receive the FTA channels when the hill-top transmitters are no longer in service.
Below are some of the answers to frequently asked questions about the Digital switch-over.
1. Will I need to replace my property's TV's?
The majority of TV's will be able to receive a Digital signal. Even the older 'boxy' CRT sets are fine for Digital TV. There is no need to rush out and replace your existing sets and if you are unsure seek the advice of either your local commercial TV installer or local TV supplier/electronics retailer.
2. My property lost a few channels the other week with no explanation as to why?
In the lead-up to going digital, essential work is being carried out by Freeview that sees the frequency of some channels changing. In some cases this work can affect channels in a small number of properties as well as some homes, hospitals, and other commercial premises. This work is imperative in the move across to digital, and simply requires a technician to adjust the frequency of the channel within the properties distribution system to restore the pictures.
3. In my motel I don't have Freeview or SKY, with my 10 rooms only getting TV1, TV2, and TV3. What options are available for me?
There are several options available for you to consider, but be aware that you must have this resolved before 30 September 2012, (assuming you are in the Hawkes Bay or South Island's West Coast) to be able to continue to view TV1, TV2, TV3. They are:
• Get Freeview decoders, one for every channel, to be installed at the head-end, or
• Get Freeview decoders in every room, or
• Upgrade your TV's with inbuilt Freeview in them, or
• Get SKY Guest Select with a SKY decoder installed in each room with the FTA's and other channels included
A commercial TV installer can advise on these options in more detail.
4. What is HD all about?
HD means high definition. More and more programming is now broadcast in high definition which provides a sharper and better picture in crystal-clear clarity over standard definition known as SD.
To access HD you require a HD TV-set which can be described as 'HD ready' or 'Full HD'. Freeview provides HD pictures on certain channels with a Freeview HD decoder and SKY have HD channels that include their core Sports and some Movie channels.
In the case of SKY, an HD decoder (MY SKY and the HD access ticket) is required to view these channels.
5. How come I no longer have Trackside?
In recent times, metropolitan areas were able to access Trackside via an UHF aerial. The TAB made the decision to cease the UHF service and go digital only early and now the only way to access Trackside is via Digital on either Freeview or SKY.
6. I have Freeview TV's already so I should be ok, shouldn't I?
Not necessarily. Many properties have Freeview-capable TV's but they are not hooked-up to receive the Freeview digital pictures.
It can be confusing and no two TV systems are the same, so having an independent assessment on your TV set-up from your local commercial TV contractor is prudent and sensible advice. More and more properties are seeking advice and information so they have a clearer idea on what their options or requirements will be before the switch-off occurs.
It is important to reiterate that when the analogue free-to-air signal is switched-off there will be no going back. The cost of getting it wrong could have an impact on your business if guests are unable to watch any free-to-air TV!
As always, www.goingdigital.co.nz provides information explaining the switchover from analogue to digital.
