If you are currently using the old TV network then you will need to switch to another TV network or service before 24th October 2012.
This section provides information on your switch over options.
The Options
1. You can switch to the new national subscription free aerial digital TV network which is operated by RTÉ under the brand name SAORVIEW, or
2. You can subscribe to a Multichannel Pay TV service provider (using cable, satellite, MMDS or broadband technologies) such as Sky, UPC, Magnet or a local TV service provider.
For information on SAORVIEW and switching to SAORVIEW, please follow this link
For information on switching to a Pay TV provider, please follow this link.
The main differences between these options are summarised in the table below:
Table of TV Options
| Service |
SAORVIEW |
Pay TV Service |
|
Regular service fee (example
Monthly subscription) |
No |
Yes |
|
TV equipment required
|
Saorview approved set top box or
Saorview approved digital TV and appropriate connection cables.
UHF aerial.
|
Service provider set top box in most cases and appropriate connection cables.
Satellite dish, MMDS aerial, cable or broadband connection (depending on service provider).
|
|
Purchase of TV equipment |
A Wide variety of TV brands and Set top boxes
labelled with the “SAORVIEW approved” logo are available for purchase in electrical retail stores and major supermarkets |
Generally, Set top boxes and other equipment supplied by service provider. In some cases service provider retains ownership of these.
|
|
Installation |
Customer responsible for own installation |
Generally installed by service provider for once off charge |
|
Number of TV channels |
Currently 8 |
Ranges from 15 to 200+depending on package |
|
High Definition (HD) Content |
Yes, but if your are using a set top box you will also need a high definition TV to get benefit of HD pictures |
Yes but you need HD set top box and HDTV to get benefit of HD pictures. Extra charge applies for HD set top box and higher subscription for HD channels |
|
UK Channels /Sports/Movie |
No |
Yes |
Information about the different type of TV services is available in our costs and options section