Mate how bout a couple new channels.. that’d be a GEM.
The Freeview commercial station wars are heating up with even more channels set to launch. Recently Australians have seen the introduction of 7TWO, Go! and OneHD, now there’s set to be two more channels added to the free-to-air line-up.
Channel 7 have announced they will launch a new male-orientated channel called 7mate. This actually sounds pretty good as a concept, it could be the channel you throw on when you have mates over. Entertaining, comedy / action content sure to make you the perfect host, avoiding those embarrassing moments when Desperate Housewives shows up on your manly HDTV.
7mate will broadcast in HD and is set to launch in just over a month – September 25th. The first program broadcast will be the AFL Grand Final which from memory hasn’t ever been broadcast in HD before.. A great step forward.
Channel Nine are trying to trump channel 7 by launching their new channel a few days before 7mate. While details are still light-on at this point, it’s believe Nine’s new channel will be called GEM. TV Tonight say “Rumours on Nine’s channel extend from a crime channel, lifestyle channel or a female-skewed channel possibly called GEM.”
Ultimately all this competition is great for Aussie consumers, getting more free-to-air content than ever before.
More @ TVTonight
ABC Channel 24 goes live.. official launch next week
Earlier this year we heard about the ABC’s very ambitious plans to create Australia’s first 24 hour news channel. The wait is almost over. Today the channel went live, however before the channel’s official release next week, Channel 24 is currently looping a preview reel of what to expect.
Channel 24 will contain news reports from around the world, with live reporters on the ground when the action happens. It will be interesting to see how commercial stations react to Channel 24, in the past major events seen all stations attempt live coverage, but often falling pretty short. After Channel 24 officially launches, I’ll know there’s 2 places for the latest info that I’ll turn too… Twiiter and Channel 24.
Sadly a consequence of this awesomeness is the removal of ABC HD, this is related to our ridiculous restrictions on the number of free-to-air licences available. We seen this same issue when Ten launched One HD and TenHD disappeared, frankly it is insane. We all spend thousands on high definition televisions and want to see more content in high quality.
Digital TV Transition begins, Mildura farewells Analogue
Today is a landmark day in Australia with the first switch off of analogue TV broadcast. When the digital TV transition was first announced, the Federal Government created a website http://www.digitalready.gov.au to explain the transition and provide information on upcoming transition areas.
On 30 June 2010, Mildura Sunraysia became the first region in the country to switch to digital TV. If you live in the region and have not yet made the switch then don’t worry, it’s not too late.
The wireless spectrum that Analogue TV runs on is incredibly valuable and has attracted very strong interest from mobile network providers. Some of its biggest benefits is that it can transmit large distances with good penetration through most types of walls. This means fewer mobile towers would be required to deliver next generation 4G networks and at a lower cost than existing 3G networks.
I don’t need to point out the benefits of Digital over Analogue because your all watching digital TVs already.. aren’t you ? If you’ve purchased a TV in the past 3-4 years chances are your already set. If your parents or grandparents are super nostalgic and refuse to release their death grip on that old tube TV, get them a sub-$100 set-top-box. If you need additional help, email switchover@dbcde.gov.au.
So while Mildura has lead the way in the digital transition, by the end of 2013 analogue TV will be shut off 2013. At this point your likely wondering which region is next ? In what seems like the ultimate game of throwing darts at a wall, it turns out Regional SA and Broken hill area are next in line on December 15, 2010.
For a full timetable of switchover dates (or to check your area), check out this Digital TV transition timetable.
24/7 ABC News Channel Coming Soon
Yet another free-to-air TV channel will be launching in Australia soon. A 24 hour a day news channel from ABC will offer the latest commentary from reporters on the ground around the world as news breaks. Check out the video below for more details.
More @ ABC
3D Broadcast coming to Australia 2011 from Foxtel
One of the big problems with buying a new 3D television is where to find content. Sure the 3D Blu-ray format was just formalised, but expect it to be a while before they start hitting our shelves. Well Foxtel is leading the way in 3D content, announcing their intentions to begin 3D broadcasts in 2011.
More @ Gizmodo
Panasonic Skype TV demo’d on video
One of the more interesting TV developments coming out of CES is 720p Skype video calls. The video below shows it working on upcoming Panasonic TV’s, what’d be really nice is a solution for those of us who already have HDTVs.
More @ Engadget
7TWO now available in regional areas
It’s Christmas time for regional viewers, with yet another free to air channel launching. Despite being months behind the metro launch, regional customers can now get 7TWO PRIME.
7TWO will feature shows like Ugly Betty, LOST, 24, Heroes, Fifth gear and more. You may need to do a rescan on your TV to get the new channel.
