beam me up
We're moving to a new satellite.
The satellite carrying New Zealand free-to-air TV transmissions will retire soon, so Freeview's satellite TV service must move to a replacement satellite in early April.
This won't matter to you if you use a UHF aerial or the Freeview Streaming TV app to watch Live TV. And the update will be seamless for most people tuned in through a satellite dish. Not sure how you're getting Freeview? Here's an easy way to tell.
However, older satellite boxes should be replaced before April to keep accessing free Live TV.
Check your box.
If your satellite box can't pick up the following channels, even after a retune, then it's time to upgrade with a replacement.
- Sky Open on Freeview channel 15,
- eden+1 on Freeview channel 18,
- Bravo+1 on Freeview channel 9,
- Al Jazeera on Freeview channel 20.
If you can watch these channels, you're all set.
Be sure to check any satellite receiver or recorder you're using, including ones at the bach.
Upgrade options.
If your satellite box needs an upgrade, you can choose from a range of options.
1. Stream Live TV with the Freeview Streaming TV app where there's good internet. Get our free app on most Smart TVs and it's preloaded on SmartVU dongles.
2. Get a new satellite box such as a Dish TV SAT1 or A7080 box for a 'like for like' experience. To record live TV, opt for a Panasonic satellite recorder (model: DMRHST270) or a Dish TV satellite recorder (model: S7070pvr).
3. Get a dual-tuner TV if you want to go 'box-free'. Most models are dual-tuner in the Samsung, Panasonic and LG range, as well as select Veon and JVC models.
Pick up your upgrade from trusted electronics retailers nationwide.
Upgrade options.
Go for one of these if your satellite box needs an upgrade.
1. Get a new satellite box such as a Dish TV SAT1 or A7080 box. To record live TV, opt for a Panasonic satellite recorder (model: DMRHST270) or a Dish TV satellite recorder (model: S7070pvr).
2. Get a dual-tuner TV if you want to go 'box-free'. Most models are dual-tuner in the Samsung, Panasonic and LG range, as well as select Veon and JVC models.
3. Stream Live TV with the Freeview Streaming TV app where there's good internet. Get our free app on most Smart TVs and it's preloaded on SmartVU dongles.
Pick up your new box or TV from trusted electronics retailers nationwide.
Upgrade options.
The simplest upgrade is to get a new satellite box, such as one of the following:
- Dish TV Sat1 box
- SmartVU+ A7080 box
To record Live TV, opt for a Panasonic satellite recorder (model: DMRHST270) or a Dish TV satellite recorder (model: S7070pvr).
You can also get a dual-tuner TV to go 'box free'. Or stream Live TV with good internet access using the Freeview Streaming TV app - it's free and available to download on Smart TVs. Learn more about all options here.
Pick up your new box or TV from trusted electronics retailers nationwide, not only will you be supporting local, store staff can help you zero in on the best upgrade for you and you can be sure to get a product that's tested and approved for Freeview.
Upgrade options.
The simplest upgrade is to get a new satellite box, such as one of the following:
- Dish TV Sat1 box
- SmartVU+ A7080 box
To record Live TV, opt for a Panasonic satellite recorder (model: DMRHST270) or a Dish TV satellite recorder (model: S7070pvr).
You can also get a dual-tuner TV to go 'box free'. Or stream Live TV with good internet access using the Freeview Streaming TV app - it's free and available to download on Smart TVs. Learn more about all options here.
Pick up your new box or TV from trusted electronics retailers nationwide.
What should I do?
Sign up for updates if you tune into Freeview through a satellite dish (check here if you're not sure).
Before you do, check your box and satellite dish setup first, see details below. This will help you stay informed about what's relevant to you and your setup.
When details are finalised, we'll be in touch to let you know if you need to do anything.
What to expect before April 2025
Everyone across the industry is working together towards a seamless transition to the replacement satellite in April 2025, with minimal impact for viewers.
Most Freeview viewers won't be affected by the changes ahead. However, if you're tuned in through a satellite dish, it's good to be mindful of the following.
Channel updates on Freeview's satellite TV service
Sky Open, eden+1, Bravo+1 and Al Jazeera needed to be updated on 22 January 2025 to prepare for the replacement satellite (learn more here). If you can no longer watch those channels after 22 January 2025 (even after a retune), then it's time to upgrade your satellite box.
Satellite TV reception
As the current satellite nears the end of its life, its signal is becoming marginally more variable. While this doesn't affect most satellite viewers, faulty or damaged satellite TV setups are more susceptible to minor signal variations, which typically result in poor TV reception around the same time each day. Reception issues can also be more pronounced if you live in very remote regions such as the Chatham Islands. Please see here for more information if this relates to you.
Got both Sky and Freeview through a single dish?
If you're using a single satellite dish to access both Freeview as well as Sky, select 'I have both Freeview and Sky' when you sign up for updates.
We'll share advice on what you may need to do, if anything at all.
Sign up for updates.
It's easy as.
We'll keep you informed of changes as part of this satellite transition and what you may need to do to keep watching your favourite channels.
Q+A
More questions?
Let us know if you have questions we haven't covered yet and we'll do our best to hunt down an answer for you.
