Freeview digital media devices are now in more than 300,000 Kiwi homes across the country, it was reported this morning.

Freeview said the number was well above expectations and the uptake of media devices was faster per capita than the majority of countries which have already made the switch to digital television.

Freeview general manager Sam Irvine the availability and popularity of Prime seems to have contributed to the growth and brought the total number of channels on Freeview satellite to 13 and 12 on Freeview HD (high definition).

Mr Irvine said feedback on Freeview indicated customers valued it as a home entertainment option.

“Retailers around the country continue to provide us with feedback that Kiwis are really attracted to the sort of priceless entertainment that Freeview provides. With that in mind, our continued growth prospects looks very positive,” he concludes.

Hybrid Television will launch its Tivo media devices in New Zealand next month.

SKY Television chief executive John Fellet said Hybrid’s move into New Zealand would further encourage the uptake of digital media. SKY previously said broadband would be the best way to deliver both linear and pay-per-view content in the future.

The Tivo media device is a digital recorder that allows viewers to watch all free-to-air digital terrestrial television, radio channels as well as broadband content, services and games.