Switch off of analogue TV services scheduled for 2012

The Minister for Communications says he hopes that the testing of digital terrestrial television pictures in Ireland will be underway by the autumn.

The broadcasting trials will take place for two years.

The Dáil has been told that testing of digital TV will initially take place in the North-East and Dublin.

Noel Dempsey says the present system of analogue TV should be a thing of the past by 2012.

“Switch off of analogue television services is being strongly advocated by the European Commission with 2012 a target date suggested by the Commission,” the Minister said today.

“Decisions have been taken about the nature and timing of analogue switch-over. It will be necessary to ensure that Irish viewers are fully informed of all the issues arising.”