Freeview releases first MyFreeview HD recorder

Consumers will be able to get their hands on the first digital television recorder (DTR) for the new MyFreeview HD service on December 11th.

The MyFreeview HD DTR uses the Freeview eight-day electronic programme guide to select programmes or series to record. This first Freeview approved DTR from Zinwell contains two tuners which means you can simultaneously record from two channels while watching another programme from the hard-drive. It has capacity for up to 80 hours of High Definition (HD) or 240 hours of standard definition (SD) programmes.

Kevin Colley of Zinwell importer Next Electronics says the recommended retail price on the Zinwell ZMT-640PVR will be $1,149.95. Stock is arriving in the country this weekend and will be in stores by the middle or end of next week. Noel Leeming and Bond & Bond will be stocking the Zinwell from launch but DSE and Harvey Norman are also expected to come on board soon.

MyFreeview HD allows you to record TVONE, TV2, and TV3 programmes in HD with no subscription fees. It also enables the viewer to pause live TV, automatically book alternate recording times if you already have two bookings set, and even provides recommendations for other programmes you may also like to record.

Freeview is also adding more channels to its service with the announcement of TV3+1 from MediaWorks (owners of TV3 and C4) on channel 8 from next March.

TV3+1 allows viewers to watch TV3 programmes one hour later, thereby avoiding primetime schedule clashes.

However, after earlier announcements from TV3 that it had a new Freeview channel with all new content in the works, the TV3+1 channel is something of a disappointment.

“In the UK, tuning to the +1 channel averages 38% of the tuning to the main channel on the same platform and we would expect no difference in New Zealand,” comments Rick Friesen, MediaWorks Director of Special Projects.

“In overseas markets where similar services have been launched the viewer response has been very favourable, so we’re excited about what this will mean for the continued growth and popularity of the Freeview platform,” adds Steve Browning, General Manager, Freeview.