Ireland’s digital TV switchover will happen on October 24 2012, a mere five days away. The deadline to change is fast approaching and it is important to make sure people in Mayo are fully informed and prepared for this adjustment.
Caroline Wilso, from the Knockmore-Rathduff Resource Centre, the Mayo Digital Outreach Champion is urgently encouraging people to make the switch to digital TV. Anyone who currently relies on an aerial to watch TV will need to take action before Wednesday October 24. The delivery of the Outreach Digital Switchover programme has been supported by a wide range of organisations throughout Mayo which guided the elderly and vulnerable people to make a successful switch to Digital TV. The programme is managed and coordinated at a national level by The Wheel in conjunction with Irish Rural Link, and is assisted by funding from the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources.
While most people will make the switch themselves, some people may need a helping hand and Ms Wilson is encouraging people to spread the word to their older friends, neighbours and, relatives, especially those who live in rural areas or in isolation.
The switchover requires viewers to make choices about how they want to receive the digital signal, and then take action to ensure thst they can continue watching TV after the switch-off on October 24.
The options
1. For people who get their TV service through a pay-TV i.e. Sky, UPC, cable, etc no action is required.
2. If you watch your TV using an aerial, you need to either get a Saorview-approved set-top box, or a Saorview approved new television. This will mean you can continue to freely receive transmission of the Irish channels. A UHF aerial is required to receive this service (most houses will already have this ).
3. If you wish to receive all the Irish channels plus BBC/ITV, Channel 4, etc you will need a Saorview approved combi box. This is used with any TV under 20 years old. A UHF aerial and a satellite dish is required to receive these services. Please note a satellite dish has to be installed to receive the English channels.
All those still using the old analogue TV network will continue to see a ‘bug’ which reads X24 October 2012 on the bottom right corner of their TV screen which will be a permanent reminder, and countdown, to the analogue switchover date. This ‘bug’ will remain on all analogue TV screens until October 24 or until those TV sets have been switched to the digital network, excluded in the west: Ben Gorm, Glengevlagh and Leenane which are satellite fed and will not have the bug.
Ms Wilson said: “The Knockmore/Rathduff Resource Centre is delighted to be involved in the programme. Television is an important part of people’s lives, particularly those who are living alone or in isolated locations. We need to make sure that nobody in Mayo gets left behind.”
If you need any further help or assistance contact Going Digital on 1890 940 980 (English language ) and 1890 940 970 (Irish language ) or Saorview: 1890 222 012 www.saorview.ie
