Digital terrestrial TV to be in place by autumn 2009

Communications Minister Eamon Ryan says Ireland will have full digital terrestrial TV by autumn of next year.

Speaking in Dublin today, the minister said the €100m system would give viewers a better picture and allow a number of new free-to-air channels to be broadcast.

Three-quarters of Irish homes already have digital TV through their satellite or cable providers.

However, households with aerials will have to buy a digital box in order to avail of the new service, the price of which has yet to be decided.