NineHD and 9Life to be switched off for regional viewers

With the big switch-over for regional viewers just two weeks away, Southern Cross Austereo has confirmed it will not be able to provide regional viewers access to 9HD and 9Life at launch.

Southern Cross Austereo will become the new provider of Nine Network content from July 1st for viewers in regional Queensland, regional Victoria and southern NSW.

The regional broadcaster has blamed a need to upgrade its broadcast equipment across regional Australia for the delay. New broadcast technology has been ordered from Europe and SCA is hopeful of having upgrades completed by mid-August so that it can commence broadcasting 9HD and 9Life.

The delay means regional viewers will miss out on watching the third State of Origin clash in High Definition.

Affected viewers will have the option of watching a live stream of 9Life via the 9Now website while its unavailable for broadcast.

The news comes after DeciderTV last week revealed a planned June launch of the ABC’s HD simulcast had also been delayed until later this year.

Meanwhile WINTV, which will become the new home of TEN Network content from July 1st for viewers in regional Queensland, regional Victoria and southern NSW, has confirmed it will provide TENHD at launch meaning viewers will be able to enjoy programs such as Masterchef, Offspring and Australian Survivor in High Definition.