National Digital Switchover Week promotes digital TV switchover

10 Sep 2012

Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources Pat Rabbitte launches National Digital Switchover Week

TV owners in Ireland who have yet to make the switch from analogue TV to digital TV will receive one more nudge to do so during National Digital Switchover Week from 17-23 September, an initiative that includes events across the country.

Organised by the Department of Communications, Energy & Natural Resources in partnership with The Wheel and Irish Rural Link, the week will see 26 local Digital Outreach Champions across Ireland organise events in their communities, such as coffee mornings, family fun days, and information sessions.

Awareness of the digital TV switchover

  • Ninety-three per cent of Irish people are now aware of the digital TV switchover.
  • Some 96pc of people living in rural communities say they are aware of the digital TV switchover.
  • However, there are still some 200,000 people still using the analogue TV network for their primary TV who need to make the switch.

– Millward Brown Lansdowne Digital Switchover Benchmark Study, August 2012

“We are optimistic that a combination of the timing of this initiative – just one month before the analogue TV service gets switched off on Wednesday, 24 October – and the number of local events in the heart of communities all over the country will encourage those who have still not made the switch to digital TV to do so during National Digital Switchover Week and avoid the last-minute rush,” said Ireland’s Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources Pat Rabbitte, TD.

“In addition, most of us will have neighbours, friends or relatives who will need some assistance with the switch. So why not offer to give a helping hand during National Digital Switchover Week?”

Rabbitte also encourages consumers who may seek professional help with the switchover to only use the services of reputable installers.

Many retailers throughout Ireland will also offer special deals as part of the National Digital Switchover Week.

‘The Fog’ play to be held in Mayo

One of the highlights of National Digital Switchover Week will be performances of ‘The Fog’, a 15-minute play written by Mayo man John Corless. The story centres on an exchange between a couple in a living room in a home in rural Ireland on Thursday, 25 October 2012, when the husband realises to his dismay that he has no picture on his beloved TV.

The play will be performed in several community centres throughout Mayo and beyond.

‘Bug’ warning

Consumers still using the old analogue TV network will continue to see a ‘bug’ on the bottom right corner of their TV screens as a reminder and countdown to the analogue switchover date. This ‘bug’ will remain on all analogue TV screens until 24 October or until those TV sets have been switched to the digital network.

Information and help on the Digital Switchover is available through LoCall 1890 940 980 (English language) and 1890 940 970 (Irish language).

Tina Costanza was a journalist and sub-editor at Silicon Republic

editorial@siliconrepublic.com