Television is going digital. RTÉNL is rolling out a national DTT transmission system in preparation for the introduction of the new service.
There is no definitive launch date for a DTT service in Ireland as yet. This is a matter for RTÉ (www.rte.ie) and the Broadcasting Commission of Ireland (www.bci.ie) to determine.
What will it do for me?
DTT delivers high quality pictures and sound.
DTT delivers an improved teletext service
DTT delivers more television services offering greater choice to the viewer.
DTT delivers new features like an on-screen menu showing what's on now and what's coming next.
DTT has the capability to deliver interactive services
How does it work?
When it becomes available how do I get it?
The service is not yet available, but when it is:
You need a suitable Set Top Box (STB) or iDTV connected to a roof-top antenna or a set-top aerial ("rabbit's ears") depending on where you live. Your local television dealer or appliance service centre will be able to advise on this.
Currently there are no approved STBs or iDTVs available for the Irish market. Approved equipment will be available in advance of the launch of the service.
Please note that the vast majority of UK "Freeview" boxes and iDTVs will not work on the Irish DTT service when it is launched.
Digital Roll Out
RTÉNL is undertaking DTT technical test transmissions in a number of areas. This is being done to verify the engineering integrity of the systems and to confirm coverage.
These test transmissions will operate for varying durations and are subject to regular variations and prolonged interruptions. The test transmissions will cease in the majority of areas once testing is complete.
Permanent transmissions will not commence until the service is formally launched by the broadcasters.
Under no circumstances should the test transmissions be considered an operational service.
What services will I get?
In addition to the four national television services, DTT will carry a wide range of television and radio services. For information on these additional services please go to http://www.bci.ie
When will I get it?
DTT is not available at the moment and the actual launch date or dates is a matter for RTÉ, in respect of the public service multiplex, and the BCI, in respect of the three commercial multiplexes.
RTÉNL is undertaking engineering work to prepare the network for the delivery of DTT to the homes of Ireland. The roll-out of the infrastructure necessary to provide this service has started and will continue over the next four years.
RTÉNL anticipates that DTT services will be launched to the viewing public in the next year or so but, as previously mentioned, the actual launch date or dates is a matter for RTÉ, in respect of the public service multiplex, and the BCI, in respect of the three commercial multiplexes.
RTÉNL is currently undertaking live tests from a number of sites but these are subject to interruption from time-to-time and will cease once testing is complete and cannot be considered to be a “live” service.
How much will a Set Top Box cost?
Approved STBs will be available prior to the launch of the DTT services. The price of these has yet to be determined.
Please note that no STB's (set top boxes) or iDTV's (Integrated Digital Televisions) have been approved for the Irish market as yet. When approved STB's or iDTV's are available in the Irish market, information will be provided on this website.
Link to www.digitaltelevision.ie
Glossary of terms link to www.bci.ie/documents/DTT_glossary_of_terms.doc
Analogue switch off
Analogue switch off in ireland is scheduled for end 2012.
RTÉ Free-to-Air DTT Receiver
NorDig Unified ver 2.0. equipment requirements
Minimum Receiver Requirements
“Approved Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) Receivers
RTÉ has appointed Teracom AB to conduct receiver compliance testing for Irish free-to-air (FTA) DTT receivers. Those receivers which pass the tests thereby meeting the Irish DTT specification will be eligible to be licensed to use RTÉ’s “Saorview” logo, which will confirm to consumers that the receiver is Irish FTA DTT compliant. RTÉNL will publish a full list of compliant DTT receivers on its web site.
Manufacturers/distributors wishing to use the Saorview logo should contact Teracom (irdtest@teracom.se) to arrange testing. When a receiver passes the tests, it will then be eligible to be licensed by RTÉ to carry the Saorview logo.”
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