Hi Guys,

The Irish government have launched their digital switchover campaign recently. The digital switchover is the biggest thing to happen to TV since the introduction of colour.
This is a great opportunity to drive sales, so be sure to put together any news articles, blog posts and any exposure on this. Find out more below:

Digital Switchover

At the moment only an average of 23% of all TV householders are aware of the digital switchover.
Analogue TV has been live in Ireland since 1962 and it currently provides free to air access to RTÉ, TV3 and TG4 television channels.

The digital switchover means that TV viewers who rely on the analogue network and wish to continue receiving the Irish TV channels after analogue switch off will need to do one of the following by the 24th October 2012:

1. Subscribe to a Pay TV - Sky or UPC
2. Upgrade to SAORVIEW (box approx. €50 or from €229 for a SAORVIEW TV). SAORVIEW has been introduced to provide a free digital solution in Ireland and it is now available to 97% of the Irish population (rising to 98% by autumn 2012). In some cases a new outdoor aerial will also be required (estimated cost €150-€200).

Key dates:

• 14th October 2011- government launched DSO campaign with Gay Byrne. Campaign to include TV, radio, website and online
• Digital switch over scheduled for 24thOctober 2012

FAQs

What are the benefits to consumers?
In making the transition from analogue to Digital Terrestrial TV, Ireland will be able to provide capacity for additional TV channels. It uses less spectrum or radio frequencies than analogue broadcasting so a move from analogue to digital TV frees up more radio spectrum for other uses. This in turn can provide more services than analogue TV (6-8 times more TV channels) and can also provide advanced broadcasting services such as electronic programme guides, interactive services, digital teletext and High Definition TV.

Will my VCR record one channel while I watch another?
DVD recorders will still play back and record but only TVs and VCRs with two digital tuners between them will allow you to record. The simplest way to do this is to get a digital TV recorder such as Sky+

Will all of my TVs work after switchover?
All TVs must be connected to a digital receiver in order to receive a picture after the digital switchover. If you subscribe to Sky they provide a brilliant Multiroom service that allows you to watch different programmes in different rooms.

If you have any queries about the digital switchover please email kim.pham@affiliatewindow.com

Best Regards,
Kim Anh Pham

e: Kim.pham@affiliatewindow.com or Sky@affiliatewindow.com
t: 020 7553 2489