TV services

TV channels in Ireland are currently available through:

Terrestrial TV - which requires no service provider, just an aerial
Cable TV – which has a subscription cost to receive channels
Digital satellite TV – which has a subscription cost
Multipoint Microwave Distribution System (MMDS) - which has a subscription cost and provides channels through a special aerial and set-top box.
Free-to-air satellite TV – which has no subscription cost, just a one-off cost when you buy it

Cable and satellite subscription charges can vary depending on the number of channels or packages you want to subscribe to.

Getting & watching TV channels

Terrestrial TV

At present, you can watch all the Irish Terrestrial TV channels through an analogue signal with just a TV and an aerial. At the end of 2012, these signals will be switched off as part of the Digital Switch Over (jumplink).

‘Free-to-air’ satellite TV

You can buy your own ‘free-to-air’ satellite dish and receiver for a one-off cost and it gives you access to a number of free-to-air European and UK channels. It has no ongoing subscription cost, but you will not receive premium channels such as sports or movies, or any Irish channels.

Cable, digital satellite and MMDS subscription

Depending on the area and type of home you live in, several other services may be available, including cable, digital satellite or MMDS.

Digital satellite TV lets you watch a large number of channels from Ireland and abroad, as well as specialist and premium channels like movies and sports. You can also use additional functions like pausing and rewinding live TV, and recording programmes. You need a digital satellite and set-top box to get your TV channels in this way, and the service is generally available throughout Ireland. You may also need to have a landline telephone to use digital satellite TV to its potential.
Cable TV is a similar service to digital satellite TV and provides many of the same channels and additional features such as recording programmes. It is generally available in larger towns and cities, but not in rural areas.
MMDS TV is a system used mainly in rural areas where cable TV is not available. It gives a limited number of satellite TV channels through a special aerial and set-top box.

These are all subscription services, so you usually enter into a contract for a minimum period. You may have to pay for any equipment you need and some suppliers may charge an installation fee. You could save money if you install the equipment yourself. Once it is installed, you pay a bill every month or every two months.

When you are choosing a provider your options may depend on which services are available in your area, and the type of home you have. For example, if you live in an apartment block there you may not be allowed put up your own satellite dish, or you may only be able to use a particular cable provider. So check the conditions of your lease or house rules carefully to see what is allowed.

You can compare what services are available in your area, and what the costs are, on www.uchoose.ie

Whatever service or supplier you choose, always check:

the length of the contract that you are signing up to
if you are getting an introductory offer, how long does it last and what will the price be after the offer ends
if you can change your package later on and if there would be a cost
if you can bundle your TV with any other services like broadband or phone.

Remember, if you have a TV, you must also buy a TV licence.

Digital Switch Over (DSO) and Saorview

On 24 October 2012, analogue television signals received through an aerial will be switched off as part of the Digital Switch Over (DSO). If you get your TV channels through an analogue signal – like an aerial or ‘rabbit’s ears’ - you will need to make some changes if you want to continue to watch Irish channels. If you currently pay for a subscription service, such as cable, satellite or MMDS TV, the DSO is unlikely to affect you.

You can learn more from the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources website, www.goingdigital.ie

Saorview is RTÉ’s digital terrestrial television (DTT) service. It is a free-to-air service, which means there are no monthly subscription fees or contracts and is one option if you are currently watching analogue TV. DTT does however, require special equipment to receive and decode the signal. You should research all your options for continuing to receive Irish TV channels before deciding which option is best for you. If you are considering buying a new free-to-air satellite system, ask the seller if it will receive Irish digital signals before you decide. Check with your service provider for more details.

Do I need a new TV set?

The Saorview website has a list of products that are currently approved and more will become available over the next few months. Only Saorview approved products are guaranteed to pick up the service, so make sure you know what you are buying.

Bear in mind that if you buy a digital-ready TV set in another country it may not necessarily work on the Irish market without enhancement or extra equipment.

If you think you've been deceived or misled in relation to the purchase of digital TV receiving equipment - for example a TV, set-top box, aerial or satellite dish or the installation of any of this equipment - contact the National Consumer Agency on 1890 432 432 or 01 402 5555.