Ireland’s analogue television network has been replaced by a digital signal following the switch-off of the analogue service at RTÉ headquarters in Dublin this morning.
Saorview, the free-to-air television service, replaced the analogue service from 10am this morning as RTÉ presenter Miriam O’Callaghan switched off the broadcasting signal live on air.
The switch came amid reports that between 80,000 and 100,000 homes have yet to switch and will have now lost their TV signal.
An additional 300,000 secondary TVs in homes are also reported to have lost their signal with some retailers reported to be concerned over a shortage of Saorview-approved set top boxes.
Speaking following this morning’s big switch, Minister for Communications Pat Rabbitte said the switchover “heralds the dawn of the digital broadcasting era” in Ireland.
He added: “This is an historic event, a new and exciting advance for broadcasting in Ireland. Public service broadcasting remains vital to the social, political and cultural life of the nation. What we are doing here today ensures people will continue to have access to free to air television, providing a full range of services, with a strong national voice.”
To receive Saorview, viewers will need to have purchased a set-top box or a Saorview approved television. Saorview is free once the set-top box has been bought and installed at a cost of between €50 and €200.
