Eh, if this is about the TV licence, I had one and then you know, with that storm during the week and everything, the wind just blew it away and . . .It's not about the TV licence. It's about something you may need when the nationwide Analogue Switch Off happens.
Analogue Switch Off?That's right. On October 24th, analogue terrestrial television in Ireland will be turned off, so if you don't already have digital television, you'll need to switch to Saorview.
Is this one of these things that won't actually happen? Like the Household Charge?The Household Charge happened. Must pay that, actually.
Do I need Saorview?If you use an aerial to receive television in your home, then yes.
What's the damage?It depends. If you have an aerial for your TV, then you'll need to buy a set-top box, which costs €60-€100. Or you can buy a new, Saorview-approved television. To get a new aerial installed will set you back around €140-€160.
And what do I get for that?It's a one-off cost, so there are no follow up subscriptions. Saorview will provide you with RTÉ One, RTÉ Two HD, TV3, TG4, RTE News Now, 3e, RTÉjr, RTE One+1, and 10 radio stations.
But I already have Sky, or UPC, or some other digital subscription.You'll continue to get the channels you already receive from those service providers, but if you have an aerial for any other televisions, you'll need to switch to Saorview.
Actually, I'm a UPC analogue customer . . .Then you won't be affected, but if you have an aerial, you will be.
What if I already have Saorview and I don't know it?Check if you have RTÉ News Now on your TV. If it's there, then you have Saorview.
I fear change! Why is this happening?It was an EU decision, but it will also mean that switching to digital will free up Irish airwaves. That will give us more room for fancy things such as broadband and mobile TV. See goingdigital.ieor saorview.ie.
