You have 11 months to make sure you can still watch TV at home

TELEVISION broadcasting in Ireland is changing from analogue to digital transmission. What does this mean for the millions of people who watch television in Ireland on a daily basis? By October 24, 2012 the way that some of us receive television signals will have to change. If you use an aerial to receive your television signal you are most likely reliant on what is called an analogue signal. Like the rest of Europe, North America and many other countries, television broadcasting in Ireland is switching from analogue to digital transmission. The EU requires that by the end of 2012 all countries across Europe must be switched over to digital transmission. SAORVIEW is Ireland's digital free-to-air television service that will replace the analogue system which has been in operation since 1962 and will be switched off by October 24, 2012. What is SAORVIEW? SAORVIEW is Ireland's first free (free-to-air) national digital television service. It brings you all your favourite Irish channels, better quality pictures and sound, on-screen programme menus and digital teletext.  There are currently eight television channels available on the SAORVIEW service as well as radio. In addition to the offerings of the three main television broadcasters,  the following radio services are also available on SAORVIEW: RTÉ Radio 1, RTÉ 2fm, RTÉ lyric fm, RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta, RTÉ Choice, RTÉ Pulse, RTÉ 2XM, RTÉ Gold, RTÉjr and Radio 1 Extra. What will I have to do to continue to receive a television signal so that I can watch my programmes? You have options ... For anyone who does not subscribe to a Pay TV service and still relies on an analogue signal received via an aerial, there are a number of options as to what you can do to ensure that you will still be able to watch your favourite Irish channels. Unlike analogue television, SAORVIEW requires a set-top-box or integrated digital television (iDTV) with a built in receiver, to decode the digital signal that comes through your aerial. To receive SAORVIEW on your existing television you will need to connect a SAORVIEW Approved set-top-box between your aerial and television. Set-top-boxes will vary in terms of what they can do, quality and price. Some set-top-boxes will allow for digital recording, while others will decode satellite signals in addition to the SAORVIEW signal. Be sure to ask your retailer to explain the different options to you. You do not need to buy a new television to receive the SAORVIEW service. If you can currently receive RTÉ One, RTÉ Two, TV3 and TG4 through your aerial, you should be able to receive SAORVIEW.  If you cannot access all of these channels from your existing aerial, you should seek advice from your local TV installer, installation company or retailer. This means that for most people, after an initial purchase of either a set-top-box receiver or a new integrated digital television (iDTV) with a built in receiver, there are no further costs associated with the service â€â€ no contracts and no monthly bills. If you are buying a new television at any time from this point onward RTÉNL recommends that you buy a SAORVIEW approved integrated digital television (iDTV). Depending on what you need, the price will vary â€â€ we suggest you talk to a SAORVIEW registered retailer or a reputable local TV installer/installation company when deciding what option will work for you best. Be Consumer Savvy! A range of commercial manufacturers have produced set-top boxes and iDTVs.  In order to ensure that you are buying the right product, look for the sign that confirms it has been approved. If you choose to buy either a set-top box or a new SAORVIEW approved television, make sure you make this purchase from a SAORVIEW registered retailer. There are many registered retailers in Co Galway, to find a SAORVIEW registered retailer near you go to www.saorview.ie. How do I switch to SAORVIEW? Four Simple Steps For most people it is easy to make the switch to SAORVIEW. There are four simple steps: â€Â¢ Check to see if you are covered. To check if you are covered please call the SAORVIEW information line or go to www.saorview.ie â€Â¢ Check your aerial. The vast majority of homes with existing outdoor/rooftop UHF aerials will be able to receive the SAORVIEW signal. Use the coverage checker also available on www. saorview.ie to identify the location and direction of the best transmission site for your area. Your aerial should be pointing at the best transmitter, if it is not you may need to have your aerial adjusted. â€Â¢ Connect your SAORVIEW approved set-top-box to your aerial and television or connect your aerial to your integrated digital television (iDTV). â€Â¢ Tune in the channels and services. For most households currently receiving analogue television through a rooftop aerial, you will be able to install a new set-top box or new iDTV yourself by following the instructions that come with the product. If you need help with setting this up, or need to have a new aerial installed, take care to ensure that the companies or individuals you deal with are reputable. You may want to ask your neighbours or friends if they can recommend a good local TV installer or installation company. Neither SAORVIEW nor RTÉ will send anyone to your door to check your television or aerial. The SAORVIEW Roadshow will be holding a series of workshops for local retailers and businesses next week. Members of the public can explore the new service and ask questions at Radisson Blu Hotel on Tuesday November 29 from 1 to 4 pm. All welcome. We are all very much looking forward to meeting Galway local people to showcase the new service and address any queries they might have.  The SAORVIEW service is great and once people are comfortable about how best to make the switch, they can begin to access all of its benefits. â€â€ Mary Curtis, Director of Digital Switchover, SAORVIEW