Ask The Expert – The Digital Switchover

The Digital Switchover is happening on October 24^th. If you’ve heard that line before, and still don’t have a clue what’s happening – don’t worry! We’ve paired up with Digitalswitch.ie to make the transition an easy one… First up,  the whats and whys…

What is The Digital Switchover?

The Digital switchover will occur on October 24th this year. The switch over is when we switch from receiving our television service via an analogue signal to receiving it via a digital signal. This will be one of the most significant changes in the television sector in Ireland since the advent of the black and white television in the 40’s , affecting more than a quarter of a million homes.

 

Why is it happening?

This change will occur for the benefit of the nation. Current terrestrial television is an analogue service, the quality of picture and sound you receive is not as good as it could be. Digital TV will enable you to receive better picture and sound quality and it uses less broadcast space which means that after switchover, there will be more room for new services such as High Definition Television: HDTV and interactive services.

 

What is Saorview?

Saorview is ‘freeview’ in Irish. It is the new free digital terrestrial television service. To receive Saorview you need an aerial and either a Saorview approved TV or a Saorview approved set-top box. With this you will receive your favourite Irish channels and more in digital quality.

It also enables you to receive more channels.  Via the Saorview service you will receive:

RTÉ One, RTÉ Two HD, TV3, TG4, RTÉ News Now, 3e, RTÉjr, RTÉ One+1

And the radio stations: RTÉ Radio 1, RTÉ 2fm, RTÉ lyric fm, RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta, RTÉ Choice, RTÉ Pulse, RTÉ 2XM, RTÉ Gold, RTÉjr, Radio 1 Extra

 

What do I need to do?

If you are a Sky or UPC customer you are already receiving your service digitally so you won’t have to do anything - you are already getting a digital service .

For those still relying on an aerial, you will need to purchase either a set top box or a TV that is Saorview approved.

What is the difference between Saorview approved and non approved set top boxes?

Saorview approved products are guaranteed to work with all aspects of the Saorview service, now and into the future, provided your house is in a Saorview covered area, and you are using the appropriate roof mounted UHF aerial. Saorview has 98% national coverage, to find out about your area go to Saorview’s coverage checker on www.saorview.ie

 

What is www.digitalswitch.ie?

Digitalswitch.ie is a new website brought to you by Harvey Norman. It breaks down in simple terms what the digital switch is and what solutions are out there. The site is garnering great attention and creating a buzz around the digital switch. It is there to provide the full facts and options to the web savvy and even has a mobile version for the huge proportion of the population browsing from mobile devices.

For more information visit www.digitalswitch.ie