ScreenScribe

At last something sensible has emerged from the free-to-air fiasco of TV One, TV3 and Maori TV covering the same Rugby World Cup games: the government has just announced Freeview|HD is now available to an extra 160,000 homes in time for kick-off. Broadcasting Minister Jonathan Coleman says the digital terrestrial television (DTT) service has been […]

Broadcasting Minister Jonathan Coleman today announced free-to-air high definition digital television, also known as Freeview|HD, will be available by UHF aerial to an extra 160,000 homes in time for the Rugby World Cup. The Government is extending the existing digital terrestrial television (DTT) service to Whangarei, Rotorua, Gisborne, Taupo, New Plymouth, Whanganui, Wairarapa, Nelson, Timaru […]

On the eve of Sky TV announcing its interim results, NBR reports Freeview hopes to extend its HD service from 75% to 87% of the country in time to broadcast live 48 Rugby World Cup games, including all of the All Blacks’ matches. Freeview general manager Sam Irvine told NBR: “The government and broadcasters are […]

FreeviewHD receivers are outselling Freeview satellite receivers by about 3:1. The free-to-air digital TV platform today said 58,417 HD and satellite units had sold in the three months ending September 30, up from 54,456 in the previous quarter. And year on year there’s been a 66% jump, with 3Q 2009 sales reaching only 35,166. This […]

Sony’s HD PVR module for its PlayStation 3, PlayTV, goes on sale today for $200, with some retailers bundling it for free with the $730 320GB console. While it seems to have been hobbled by critical flaws, PlayTV boasts a clean and elegant electronic programming guide and graphical user interface, as seen from these generic […]

Since this morning’s posting, the NZ Press Association has filed this report about the press conference. And Freeview general manager Sam Irvine has welcomed the extension of HD coverage: “Today’s announcement also means a further year of funding for Freeview, more efficient use of spectrum and the availability of new technologies, all of which will […]

As I write in this week’s The Box cover story for The Press newspaper, “Choosing the television that’s right for you can be as bewildering as trying to fathom the programming strategies of TV networks.” Among the considerations is the high-end option of apps, or widgets, such as those analysed in this CNET.com update of […]

TiVo users frustrated by filling up their hard drives so fast with HD content can triple their storage for less than half the usual price from this weekend. Customers shortly will be advised of a special deal on the 1TB Western Digital Expander drive: $174.00 (plus $15.00 postage) — or $195.00 off the recommended retail price. Of […]

This afternoon Sky TV launched its new-look electronic programme guide for My Sky HDi subscribers. It’s the first major overhaul the EPG’s had since the satcaster went HD two years ago and vastly improves on the original interface, which looked pathetically primitive post-FreeviewHD and TiVo. Surprisingly, Sky chose to update the EPG software during the […]

NZ Herald columnist Pat Pilcher has given top FreeviewHD recorder honours to the Magic TV DVR. In a four-way shoot-out, he acclaims the MTV3600TD for standing “heads and shoulders above its other Freeview certified counterparts”, praising its large hard drive, comprehensive connections, network connectivity, foolproof installation and sculpted remote control that “easily sets the bar”. […]