Demand boost for antenna installations and MATV

 

Switch-over to high-definition (HD) digital free-to-air television is gaining momentum ahead of the New Zealand government’s 2012 announcement on a shut-down date for analogue television broadcast services.

This, says Hills Signal Master New Zealand manager Paul O’Neill-Gregory, is creating more opportunities for smart, ‘future-proof’ satellite and UHF digital antenna installations and adds to the growing demand for domestic installation upgrades for multi-room viewing.

“The government has said it will advise broadcasters of an analogue cut-off date in 2012, or when 75 percent of New Zealand households are receiving digital freeview television, whichever occurs first.

The latest statistics show over 60 percent of New Zealand homes now receive digital television and that digital uptake has occurred faster here than in the UK and Australia. This could see analogue broadcasting cease sooner rather than later bringing forward demand for final antenna conversions and Hills Signal Master can help any contractor wanting a share of this market.

MATV pioneers

Meanwhile demand for master antenna television (MATV) installations in commercial, institutional and residential premises ahead of the 2012 announcement is also growing as content providers expand their programming options.

O’Neill-Gregory says Hills Signal Master has led the way with MATV and is the leading designer and manufacturer of digital MATV solutions in New Zealand. As part of this leadership Hills Signal Master will provide installation contractors and technicians with systems design support.

MATV allows apartment blocks, schools, hospitals and multi-tenant buildings to distribute digital television to multiple receivers without the requirement for multiple antennas.

But to achieve this without any loss of signal quality MATV systems have to be carefully designed and engineered to process and amplify digital signals from a central location to end-users.

“In Australia we’ve recently completed a digital television road show updating everyone on what they need to know to make the most of the switch from analogue.

“This includes MATV installations for design and build projects as well as MATV retrofits for existing premises.

“Because we will go through a similar transition, we intend to provide similar support to help New Zealand contractors.”

Hills expertise also extends across other areas of signal reticulation. Hills Signal Master was chosen as one of only two suppliers of full service digital Freeview set top boxes when Freeview was introduced in New Zealand.

Committed to the trade

O’Neill-Gregory says that as consumer demand increases for digital television solutions Hills Signal Master will continue to supply convenient access to the complete range of Hills components through electrical wholesale outlets.

“We’re working closely with our electrical wholesale partners throughout New Zealand looking to improve efficiencies in our supply channel.

“With sales representatives now based in Auckland, Hastings and Christchurch we are now raising the level and frequency of support along with the ready availability of stock.”

O’Neill-Gregory says because Hills manufactures many components locally with warehouse facilities in Albany, Wiri and Christchurch you can rationalize your entire digital installation requirements on Hills, saving time and money.

“You can get everything you need through your local wholesaler as a one-stop Hills shop, and you can be sure every Hills component is engineered and tested for signal compatibility and quality.”

He says to gain more business from the advances in digital broadcasting a few more skills are required and Hills is committed to helping installers pick up these skills.

“We will be providing training later in the year for contractors and installers who want to provide MATV solutions as part of their core business.”

To help meet this need Hills’ Albany branch on Auckland’s North Shore functions both as a showroom and a technical support centre for installation contractors and wholesalers as well as providing a dedicated MATV training facility on the upper level.

“We encourage professional installers and wholesalers to visit our Albany branch to learn about our latest solutions and tap into our technical resources.

Components and gear can also be ordered from the branch and picked up through your usual electrical wholesaler.”

Specification binders

O’Neill-Gregory says Hills is currently completing a digital television specification binder for specifiers and contractors providing everything needed to accurately specify digital system requirements for design and build projects and retrofit solutions.

“These binders will be available through the electrical wholesale channel along with the complete range of components and hardware required to confidently specify, design and install a free-to-air digital installation.

“We can provide additional systems design support and technical assistance to specifiers and contractors if required for larger MATV installations. Again, this service can be arranged through your electrical wholesaler.”

Complete solutions

Hills product range extends from satellite dishes, microwave (MMDS) antennas, terrestrial TV (UHF/VHF), distribution amplifiers, frequency converters and filters and a complete range of mast and hardware fittings for any type of antenna installation.

“We are one of New Zealand’s largest supplier of passive accessories including splitters, plugs, sockets, wall outlets, cable leads, fly-leads and complete HD home theatre components and equipment for interactive television networks.”

As a household name in New Zealand and Australia, Hills has become a billion dollar company through acquisitions and product diversification and is a major industrial company listed on the Australian Stock Exchange.

O’Neill-Gregory says Hills Signal Master (NZ) has a very effective relationship with its Australian parent company and enjoys a high level of autonomy and confidence in its New Zealand operations.

“Our New Zealand business is constantly evolving to meet the future needs of broadcasters in the digital age and together with our digital solutions and technical expertise we’re well positioned to continue our leadership.”

O’Neill-Gregory says his return to Hills Signal Master as New Zealand manager after a two-year absence is timely and exciting in the build-up to digital-only broadcasting and the rapid development of content-rich television services.

Previously with Hills for 15-years, O’Neill-Gregory says an initial priority is working with the specifiers, contractors and wholesale partners to ensure the electrical sector is well positioned to seize new opportunities in the broadcast market.

 

<<<< Back to news