New Zealand has seen an increase in flat TV sales in the fortnight before the 2008 Beijing Olympics Games, the New Zealand Press Association reported Monday.

Paymark electronic transaction figures showed a 13 percent increase in total appliance sales in the fortnight before the Games and the retailer had seen an increase in flat television sales, the press association said.

"We see this as a direct result of the launch and availability of high definition content on Freeview and Sky. In addition, Television New Zealand 's (TVNZ's) Olympic coverage and our successful Noel Leeming sponsorship of the New Zealand Olympic team have also paid handsome dividends," General manager of merchandise at Noel Leeming Group Jason Bell was cited as saying.

Freeview general manager Steve Browning said the Olympics had had a direct impact on Freeview uptake.

"The feedback we've received from retailers suggests that TVNZ' s broadcasting of the Games on Freeview prompted a real spike in sales, particularly with consumers who were after the two channels of Olympics coverage and the enhanced viewing experience of high definition pictures and surround sound on FreeviewHD," he said.

(Xinhua News Agency August 26, 2008)