Freeview tops the consumer’s list of preferences when it comes to digital television, according to a poll conducted on Techday.co.nz.

In answer to the question “Which digital TV platform will you choose?”, 40% of those who responded said Freeview, the free-to-air digital platform established by TVNZ, TVWorks (owners of TV3 and C4), Maori Television Service, and Radio New Zealand.

Twenty-eight percent said they would choose MySKY, 15% opted for TiVo (which offers online content via Telecom Broadband), three percent said they would choose the Ziln Web TV service, and 15% said “None”.

The current analogue TV transmission system is due to be switched off within a few years, probably by 2015, and anyone wanting to watch TV after that will require a digital receiver. Digital television offers a clearer picture and more channels.

TV sets with Freeview installed are already on sale, as are digital television recorders (DTRs). Anyone wanting to record TV programmes after the digital switchover will require one of these. The next issue of NetGuide (out December 14^th) will include a buyers’ guide to DTRs.