Get ready. for the TV switch-off on 24 October The going digital booklet. Official Government Publication

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1 An Roinn Cumarsáide Fuinnimh agus Acmhainní Nádúrtha Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources Official Government Publication Get ready for the TV switch-off on 24 October 2012 The going digital booklet LoCall or visit

2 Contents TV is going digital, what does this mean? 1 What do I need to do before October 24? 2 How do I go digital? 3 Make the switch now! 5 Why not help someone with the switch? 5 What if I can t get SAORVIEW? 6 European free-to-air satellite (ASTRA) TV 6 Border counties 6 How to get more information 7 TV is going digital, what does this mean? RTÉ, TG4 and TV3 are changing the way they broadcast TV signals. On Wednesday 24 October 2012 they will switch off the old TV signals for good and will broadcast digital TV signals only. Most people are already watching digital TV. If you watch TV using an aerial, or know someone who does here is what you need to know. 1

3 What do I need to do before October 24? 1. If you watch your TV using an aerial, you must switch to digital before 24 October If you don t switch, your screen will go blank on 24 October. See pages 3 4 for what to do. Or Rooftop aerial Indoor aerial 2. If you watch TV using a pay TV provider such as Sky or UPC, you don t need to do anything. 3. If you watch SAORVIEW, you don t need to do anything. Remember check every TV in your house. Any TVs that use an aerial will need to switch to digital. 2

4 How do I go digital? You have two choices. 1. You can switch to SAORVIEW Your new TV Your old TV Or You can buy a SAORVIEWapproved TV. You can get these from most TV retailers. Prices start at about 120 for a small TV. You can buy a SAORVIEWapproved set-top box to upgrade your old TV. Basic settop boxes cost 60 to 90. You still need an aerial to get SAORVIEW SAORVIEW gives access to Irish TV channels only. Nearly everyone in Ireland (98%) can get SAORVIEW. There are no monthly fees with SAORVIEW and you can install it yourself. SAORVIEW is owned by RTÉ. To find out more about SAORVIEW coverage, channels, aerials, equipment or help you might need, call SAORVIEW on or visit 3

5 How do I go digital? 2. You can switch to pay TV With pay TV you pay a fee every month. Basic packages for SKY and UPC start from about 25 a month and go up depending on the number and type of channels you want. Pay TV service providers will install the equipment you need. You may have to pay a one-off installation fee. SKY and UPC give access to Irish, UK and other TV channels. To find out more about pay TV, contact: SKY UPC Aertv Aertv provides TV services over broadband. There may also be other local cable operators in your area. 4

6 Make the switch now! Digital TV is available now so why wait? Switch to digital and you will benefit from: clear pictures and sound; more Irish TV and radio channels; programme guides; and information services. Don t get left behind, go digital now! Why not help someone with the switch? Some people may be confused about the digital TV switchover and may need help. Why not offer someone you know a helping hand with the switch? See or If you are part of a local community or voluntary organisation, find out how you and your organisation can help isolated or vulnerable people to go digital. 5

7 What if I can t get SAORVIEW? SAORVIEW does not cover all parts of Ireland. RTÉ has developed the SAORSAT free-to-air satellite TV service for the small number of viewers (2%) who cannot get SAORVIEW. You will be able to access the RTÉ channels on SAORSAT. To find out more about SAORSAT, contact SAORVIEW on or European free-to-air satellite (ASTRA) TV Some TV viewers may be receiving UK and other European TV channels free-to-air from the ASTRA satellite. Irish TV channels are not free on ASTRA. To receive Irish TV you still need to switch to digital. See options pages 3 4. Border counties Northern Ireland is switching to digital TV in two stages on 10 and 24 October You can find out more about the Northern Ireland switchover on If you live near the Border and get BBC1, BBC2, UTV and Channel 4 over an aerial, you should be able to get these on Freeview, the UK free digital TV service. Ask your local TV retailer or installer about the best ways for you to upgrade to digital so that you get both the UK and Irish digital channels. 6

8 How to get more information For more information on the issues raised in this booklet contact us on Helpline: LoCall Web: To request this booklet in a different format such as large print, Braille or audio please contact the Helpline on LoCall An Roinn Cumarsáide Fuinnimh agus Acmhainní Nádúrtha Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources 7