Frequently Asked Questions

What does a Freeview set-top box do?
The set-top box converts the digital signal into a form suitable for viewing on a television. It also outputs an audio format that can be connected to a home theatre system or stereo

I understand that Freeview will be transmitted in two formats. Is this true?
Yes, the two formats are: 1] digital satellite known as DTH. 2] digital terrestrial known as DTT.

Are there any ongoing subscription charges once I have a Freeview set-top box installed?
No, unlike Sky the only cost incurred is in the setting up and installation of the equipment. The equipment also all belongs to you.

What is the difference between digital satellite and digital terrestrial?
Digital satellite can be received from any location in New Zealand as long as the signal path from the dish to the satellite is clear from any physical obstruction such as trees overhanging the dish. The digital terrestrial signal needs to be available in your area to receive it. It is not currently available in Nelson. Digital Terrestrial is more prone to interference from hills, buildings and trees. Also the distance from the transmitter to the aerial plays a big part in the strength and quality of the signal.

Is a satellite set-top box interchangeable with a terrestrial set-top box?
No, although the output signals from both boxes are identical the input signals are incompatible. A terrestrial set-top box must be connected to an aerial and not a satellite dish.

What is rain fade?
Rain fade is the result of loss of signal from the satellite to the dish due to very heavy rainfall. The symptoms are a break up of the picture on the TV, known as pixilation. If you experience rain fade in light rain or showers it is more than likely to be the dish being out of alignment. Also remember that it doesn’t have to be raining in your area for rain fade to occur, heavy rainfall in the uplink and downlink locations can affect your signal.

I have a satellite dish already on my house, can I use that?
Yes, as long as the dish is aligned to the Optus D1 satellite.

What is an LNB?
An LNB (Low Noise Block) is the small device at the end of the arm pointing at the satellite dish which the cable is connected to. It converts and amplifies the signal from the dish to the set-top box.

I have a UHF aerial on my house; can I use it for digital terrestrial?
Yes, if you are receiving a good strong signal on UHF at present and the aerial is pointing to one of the freeview transmitters then there will not be a problem so long as you can receive Digital Terrestrial in your region. This is not the case yet for Nelson..

How do I know if the UHF signal that I receive is of sufficient strength and quality?
A good indication is if you receive a good picture on Prime TV then there should not be a problem. If the picture is grainy or ghosting then it would be advisable to get a signal test done by a technician because the digital signal is less tolerant than the analogue signal. The digital signal does not appear grainy or ghosting if the signal is insufficient, it breaks up instead.

Can I have the Freeview set-top box in the lounge and watch it in another room?
Yes you can. The downside is that you can only watch the same channel that the set-top box is set on.

Can multiple set-top boxes be connected to the same dish or aerial?
Yes but the signal from the aerial or dish has to be split using a compatible splitter. In some cases an amplifier is needed to insure a good level of signal at all outlets. The benefit of installing multiple set-top boxes is that they operate independently from each other so you can watch a different channel in each room.

Do I have to buy a new TV for a Freeview set-top box to work?
No, most TV’s are capable of receiving the signal from the set-top box. The minimum requirement being that the TV can be tuned to receive a UHF signal. All late model TV’s can be hooked up through the AV inputs.

Will the Freeview set-top box work in conjunction with a Sky decoder?
Yes, a technician can assist in coupling up the two boxes.

Recording on a freeview set-top box
You cannot record programs on a standard set-top box but you can record on recordable set-top boxes available at an extra cost. These set-top boxes, known as PVR’s, have an in-built hard drive similar to a computer. There is a set-top box with a hard drive available which allows you to record two channels and watch a third at the same time.

Can a VCR or a DVD recorder be hooked up to a Freeview set-top box?
Yes, a VCR or DVD recorder can be hooked up to be able to record from the set-top box.

Will I still get a ghosting and grainy picture on my TV like I get now?
If your present picture is ghosting or grainy, it may be a good indication that the service you will require will be digital satellite. The digital signal does not suffer from the same inadequacies as the analogue signal.

I have heard that you can receive radio signals from the Freeview set-top box?
There are various radio stations available on the set-top box which can be hooked up through your stereo or home theatre system. The TV is not required to be on to listen to the radio stations through an external sound system.