Ask The Expert: The Digital Switchover is Coming – So What Do You Need To Know?

On October 24^th 2012 Irish television will switch from analogue to digital, and we’ve paired up with Digitalswitch.ie to make the transition an easy one. Not sure what's happening? Don't risk ending up with a blank screen - just read on...

Technical Terminology Explained – What is ASO or DSO?

ASO stands for Analogue Switch Off. Set to happen on October 24^th, this is the day that the old analogue TV service will be switched off. People who currently rely on an aerial to get Irish television will have to switch to digital before October 24^th to ensure they’re not looking at a blank screen when the big day comes, and missing out on all their telly favourites (it's a Wednesday - keep your midweek movie safe!). Saorview is the free digital replacement for the old service.

DSO is short for Digital Switchover, i.e. the switch from analogue to digital television transmission.

 

Is my TV able to get this service?

This will depend on whether the television you already have has a MPEG-2 or MPEG-4 Tuner. If your TV has an MPEG-2 Tuner, you won’t be able to receive Saorview and it might be time to go shopping, but if your TV has an MPEG-4 tuner it should be able to get the Saorview service with a suitable aerial. Your television manual will have more information on this.

 

If I already have SKY/UPC… 

If you already have a paid-for television subscription, your service will not be affected or interrupted, lucky you! However, if you use an aerial for free TV in any room in your house, for example televisions in bedrooms that are not part of your SKY/UPC package – you will need to get Saorview to continue using these televisions.

 

Can everyone get Saorview?

Almost everyone. The service is available to 97% of the population right now, and will increase to 98% of Irish people on October 24^th. To make sure you can get Saorview in your area, check out www.digitalswitch.ie

 

If you missed our first Ask The Expert questions, you can check them out here. For more information, see www.digitalswitch.ie