TV channel changes for Kaikoura

Press, Volume CXV, Issue 33870, 16 June 1975, Page 22

TV channel changes for Kaikoura

The start of TV2 in Christchurch will mean channel changes for about 2500 viewers in the Kaikoura area. But they will not be able to receive programmes on the second channel.

But according to Broadcasting Council engineers,

there will be some spin-off in-the form of improved reception and elimination of summer fading. “There will be better coverage of South Bay, Oaro and east of the Seaward Kaikoura range,” the council says in a statement. “A new transmitting station, in addition to the ‘Blue Duck’ translator, four miles north of Kaikoura, will be sited on Dudley Farm, three miles west of Kaikoura. “It will transmit on channel 4 with horizontal aerials for receiving to South Bay, Oaro and the foothills of the Seaward Kaikouras.” GOOSE BAY The council says the new transmitter will also serve the Goose Bay translator, at present on channel 6, and there will be a change to channel 8 from TVI, Wellington. Viewers receiving signals from this source will also need to change their aerials so that the elements are vertical. The statement adds that “provided the new install-

ation is completed in time, a new TV coverage network for Kaikoura will be commissioned on June 25.” CHANNEL The “Blue Duck” translator will transmit to the remaining area, including most of Kaikoura, on channel 7, and aerials will need to be vertical. “The channel change is necessary to prevent interference to Kaikoura from Christchurch TV2 which will operate on channel 8. “To eliminate summer fading and provide the optimum TV channel for Kaikoura, the station serving the area will be fed from the Wellington transmitter via Kaukau, and the new network coverage will carry TVI programmes only.” ALL VIEWERS The engineers say all viewers will be affected by the change-over. “After normal programme closedown on June 24, viewers who are still served by the ‘Blue Duck’ translator will be able to adjust their

aerials so that the rods are vertical and their sets receive channel 7. “Viewers who wish to receive from the new station on Dudley Farm will need to realign their aerials on the station, keeping their aerial elements horizontal and adjusting their sets to channel 4.” The council says that information to help viewers

select the most suitable station and make adjustments to aerials and TV receivers will be given before the commissioning date.