15 October 2010
For Immediate Release
Warning for Consumers over incompatible set top boxes
The Consumer Electronics Association of New Zealand issued a warning today to consumers purchasing set top boxes from
the New Zealand herald online shopping web site.
The Association spotted at least one set top box, the NeoniQ being sold to New Zealand consumers when the small print
for the product clearly says it is compatible for Australian networks only.
Other products on the New Zealand Herald website such as the Akai set top boxes bundled with televisions claim to be
able to receive Freeview NZ channels however the product specifics that it works on MPEG 2 which is suitable for
Australia but not New Zealand which works on MPEG4.
“We are deeply concerned that Consumers are being misled and will end up out of pocket for set top boxes that just will
not deliver the experience that converting to a digital television signal can deliver” said Executive Officer Garth
Wyllie
We believe it is important that consumers understand that when they purchase televisions or television equipment, they
must be compatible to New Zealand signals.
Buying reputable brands who have put the time into ensuring their equipment will work in New Zealand through established
retailers is one way of ensuring that consumers will get the experience they deserve.
The Consumer Electronics Association is calling for the New Zealand Herald to ensure that products sold via its web site
are suitable for New Zealand, withdraw those that are not and ensure refunds are made to consumers who may have
purchased these set top boxes that are not suitable.
ENDS