Viewers urged to access Saorview as the switchover to digital TV looms

TELEVISION viewers who rely on aerials to receive their TV signal will face blank screens from the end of 2012 unless they access a new, free-to-air digital TV service.

The warning was issued yesterday as RTÉ launched free-to-air service Saor-view, which will enable viewers to continue to watch their favourite programmes on all the main domestic channels, including RTÉ, TV3 and TG4.

Under an EU-wide scheme for the changeover to digital TV, analogue signals across Europe are due to be switched off by the end of 2012.

Saorview will immediately be available to 97% of Irish homes, including the estimated 335,000 households who currently depend entirely on traditional rooftop aerials to obtain a TV signal.

The service will also provide an enhanced RTÉ Aertel information service, high-definition (HD) TV, and seven-day listings.

RTÉ Two will broadcast the first-ever programmes on Irish television in HD through its Saorview service this weekend with its coverage of the Magners League Final between Munster and Leinster on Saturday and the Munster Hurling Championship match between Cork and Tipperary on Sunday.

RTÉ’s director of digital switchover, Mary Curtis, said more channels and services may be added on Saorview over time.

“After the initial purchase of a set-top box or a new integrated digital television, there is no subscription and no ongoing cost,” Ms Curtis said.

However, viewers who want to watch British terrestrial channels like BBC, ITV and Channel 4 will probably have to buy a satellite dish in order to watch them.

Launching the Saorview service, Communications Minister Pat Rabbitte said it would benefit viewers by offering a wider array of channels, programme guides, and HD content.

He also predicted it would appeal to viewers who currently subscribe to rival satellite or cable services.

Mr Rabbitte said recent research commissioned by his department had shown that up to one million people are reliant on the existing analogue service.

A detailed information campaign on the digital switchover will commence next October. A recent survey showed that only one-third of households were aware of the analogue switch-off next year.

The minister also said charities and other community and voluntary organisations would play a critical role in ensuring the success of the switchover.

However, the Government appears to have ruled out offering any subsidy to assist people to change over to digital TV due to economic constraints.

But Mr Rabbitte indicated there would be no increase in the TV licence fee pending a major review of the current system.