Freeview in Auckland is available via two primary platforms: UHF Terrestrial (DVB-T) and Satellite (DVB-S). Below is a summary of key technical specifications for both, helping users and installers ensure optimal setup and reception.
🌐 UHF Terrestrial (Freeview HD via DVB-T)
Broadcast Sites in Auckland:
- Waiatarua – Primary transmission site for wider Auckland
- Sky Tower – Covers central Auckland & CBD
- Pinehill – North Shore coverage
- Remuera – Eastern suburbs
Typical UHF Channels & Frequencies:
| Site | UHF Channels | Frequencies (MHz) | Polarity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Waiatarua | 29, 33, 45 | 538, 570, 666 | Horizontal |
| Sky Tower | 28, 32, 40 | 530, 562, 626 | Vertical |
| Others | Similar to Sky Tower | As above |
Aerial Setup Tips:
- Use a quality UHF aerial, matched to the tower’s signal polarity
- Align precisely for best MER (Modulation Error Ratio) and lowest BER (Bit Error Rate)
- Manual tuning may improve reception stability
📡 Satellite (Freeview Satellite via DVB-S)
Satellite Used:
- Optus D1 @ 160.0° East
LNB/Dish Configuration:
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| LNB Type | Ku-band (Sky compatible) |
| LNB LO Frequency | 10750 MHz |
| Dish Size | 60–80 cm (SkyTV dish suitable) |
| Polarity | Vertical & Horizontal |
| Azimuth (Auckland) | ~31° East of True North |
| Elevation | ~42° |
| Skew | ~-18° (counterclockwise from front) |
Key Freeview Transponders:
| Frequency | Polarity | Symbol Rate | Channels (e.g.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12483 MHz | Horizontal | 22500 | TVNZ 1, TVNZ 2, Duke |
| 12519 MHz | Vertical | 22500 | Three, Bravo, Eden |
| 12546 MHz | Horizontal | 22500 | Prime, Māori Television |
Receiver Requirement:
- DVB-S Freeview receiver or compatible TV
- Manual tuning for specific frequencies if automatic scan misses channels
✅ Summary
- UHF (DVB-T) offers high-definition broadcasts, ideal for urban areas with line-of-sight to towers.
- Satellite (DVB-S) provides full national coverage, suitable for rural or obstructed locations.
- Both systems are free-to-air, and compatible with most standard TV gear in New Zealand.
Freeview offers New Zealanders free-to-air digital TV using two delivery platforms: UHF Terrestrial (DVB-T) and Satellite (DVB-S). While both give access to core local channels, the setup requirements, hardware compatibility, and signal sources differ—especially with changes like SkyTV’s satellite migration in 2023.
🔧 Hardware Differences
| Feature | UHF Terrestrial (DVB-T) | Satellite (DVB-S) |
|---|---|---|
| Antenna Required | UHF aerial (outdoor preferred) | Satellite dish (SkyTV dish compatible) |
| Receiver Required | No (if TV has DVB-T tuner) | Yes (unless TV has a DVB-S tuner) |
| TV Compatibility | Most NZ TVs have built-in DVB-T tuners | Fewer TVs support built-in DVB-S |
| Signal Format | MPEG-4 HD (1080i), DVB-T | MPEG-2 SD, DVB-S |
| Picture Quality | Better (HD resolution) | SD only (except some Sky services) |
| Installation Simplicity | Easier for urban homes | More complex, but works in remote areas |
📌 Tip: Most TVs in NZ support DVB-T, so for UHF, you likely don’t need an external receiver. For Satellite, a Freeview-certified DVB-S box is usually required unless your TV has an integrated DVB-S tuner (some Panasonic and Samsung models do).
📡 SkyTV Satellite Migration (2023)
In 2023, SkyTV migrated its satellite services to use new DVB-S2 transponders on Optus D1, optimizing bandwidth and preparing for higher-quality broadcasts (HD and 4K in the future).
Key points:
- SkyTV and Freeview still share Optus D1 at 160.0°E.
- Freeview uses MPEG-2 SD channels on open (free-to-air) transponders.
- Sky uses encrypted DVB-S2 (some HD) transponders—only accessible with a Sky decoder.
- Despite the migration, SkyTV dishes remain fully compatible with Freeview Satellite setups.
📶 Freeview on SkyTV Dish
Yes, you can use a SkyTV satellite dish to receive Freeview channels. Just make sure:
- You have a DVB-S compatible receiver (Freeview box or certain TVs).
- You set the correct LNB LO frequency (10750 MHz).
- You manually tune the Freeview transponders (e.g., 12483 H, 12519 V MHz).
✅ Freeview Satellite is a great option for rural homes or properties with poor UHF line-of-sight.
🆚 Summary: Which Is Right for You?
| Situation | Recommended Freeview Type |
|---|---|
| Live in central/urban Auckland | UHF Terrestrial – HD, simpler setup |
| Rural or obstructed area | Satellite – Full coverage |
| Want HD quality | UHF Terrestrial |
| Using existing SkyTV dish | Satellite |
| TV has no Freeview tuner | Satellite + Freeview Box |