Ireland’s Communications Minister Pat Rabbitte, TD, has revealed that 50,000 TV homes switched to digital between August and September, leaving 150,000 out of the 200,000 who had yet to make the switch before the analogue TV signal is switched off forever in Ireland on 24 October.
According to figures put out this afternoon by the minister’s department, awareness of the digital switchover has increased by 1pc to 94pc with awareness among those still relying on analogue standing at 97pc.
Awareness that it is happening this month is at 92pc, up 10pc.
The research was carried out in advance of National Digital Switchover Week, 17-23 September.
Rabbitte said the figures were encouraging and indicates viewers are beginning to make the switch in bigger numbers.
“However, there is still a large number yet to make the switch and I would urge those viewers to make the switch now and not to wait until the last minute.
“With just 22 days to go, I would ask the public to give a helping hand to friends, relatives and neighbours who may need assistance with the switch to ensure they are not without a TV signal from Wednesday, 24 October.”
Are you about to be switched off?
Viewers who can currently see ‘X 24 October’ in the corner of their TV screens are using the analogue TV system and need to switch to digital before 24 October.
These viewers have two options, depending on the range of services or channels they require.
They can get Saorview by purchasing a set top box or a Saorview approved television or they can go to a PayTV provider, such as Sky or UPC.
Guidance on the Digital Switchover is available at online, through LoCall 1890 940 980 (English language) and 1890 940 970 (Irish language).
