Freeview’s planned Worldnet TV channel, offered via household broadband connectivity, is technically ready to go, says CEO Sam Irvine.
The service is “up there on test” on all compatible devices and launch timing now depends on Worldnet finalising commercial arrangements, says Irvine.
Freeview uses Freeview+ to let viewers connect to their home broadband, which works with most post-2011 MyFreeview HD recorders and TVs with Freeview HD built in.
The compatible devices carry the Freeview+ symbol. Worldnet TV is a niche offering of Asian-based content, says Irvine. He believes the group will have identified the opportunity to target Auckland’s large Asian population.
The channel will be listed on the Freeview electronic programme guide at launch.
Freeview also released figures on uptake after the national completion of the switch to digital TV.
Of New Zealand households, 61.7 percent were using one more more Freeview devices, up eight percent from the beginning of 2013. That’s according to Nielsen’s CMI fourth quarter survey of 2013.
Freeview adds 2.36 million approved devices have been sold around the country since it launched seven years ago.
