Frequently Asked Questions
Q) What if I already have Sky or UPC?
A) This is a question commonly asked by people enquiring about the digital switchover. With these services you will not need a Saorview box or Saorview TV in the room that has the sky or UPC box. Unless you have the signal split from your Satellite dish or Aerial, you will not receive any tv signal in your secondary rooms.
Q) I think I have been misled in relation to the purchase of equipment – what should I do?
A) If you think you’ve been deceived or misled in relation to the purchase of equipment, for example a TV, set-top box, aerial or satellite dish or the installation of any of this equipment, contact the National Consumer Agency on 1890 432 432 or 01 402 5555.
The National Consumer Agency has prepared independent information on digital television for consumers, it is available on their website: www.nca.ie.
Q) Do I have to buy a new television?
A) You do not need to buy a new television to get Saorview. If you want to keep your existing TV, you will need a Saorview approved set-top-box to connect to your TV and aerial.
Q) Do I need a Saorview approved set-top-box if I have a SAORVIEW Approved TV?
A) No, if you have a Saorview approved TV, you just need an aerial and you are ready to enjoy Saorview.
Q) I think I have a digital TV (or Freeview TV), how will I know if it works with Saorview?
A) Many TVs sold in recent years have a digital decoder built-in. To get the Saorview channels your TV needs to have an MPEG-4 decoder. This means you should get the Saorview TV channels but you may not get interactive services like RTÉ Aertel. For these services the TV also needs MHEG5.
An MPEG-2 decoder will NOT work with Saorview as it is older technology.
Remember, if you are buying a new TV always buy a Saorview approved TV, as these are guaranteed to work with the Saorview service.
Q) How do I check if my TV has an MPEG-4 tuner?
A) There are a few simple ways of checking if your TV has an MPEG-4 tuner:
- Check the Saorview approved product listing on Saorview’s website.
- Check your manual for the words “MPEG-4″.
- Google your TV model number and check the online manual.
- Go to the set-up menu on your TV, does it allow you to choose analogue and digital tuning? If yes, proceed with digital tuning. If you receive TV pictures and sound you have an MPEG4 TV. If you receive TV sound but no pictures you have an older MPEG2 TV.
- Is there a “DTV”, “TV” or “Source” button on your remote control? This may allow you to select digital TV. If yes, proceed with digital tuning as above.
- Do a first-time set-up with your TV and see if it finds RTÉ News Now.
Remember, even if your TV has an MPEG4 decoder it must be connected to an aerial to get Saorview.
Q)Can I get SAORVIEW with my SKY box?
A)No, Saorview is not a satellite service and needs a different type of decoder box. You need a Saorview approved set-top-box and an UHF aerial to get Saorview.
Q) Can I get a SAORVIEW Approved set-top-box box that can record TV?
A) Currently there are some approved products that allow recording on an external hard drive. These products are not full Personal Video Recorders (PVRs) as they do not have two tuners and will not support the wide range of functions of a full PVR. Saorview is working with manufacturers on the development of full PVRs for Saorview.
Q) Can I get subtitles with Saorview?
A) Yes, all Saorview approved equipment, both TVs and set-top-boxes must be capable of displaying subtitles. To access subtitles, press the “subtitle” or “sub” button on your set-top-box or TV remote control. Usually the text “SUBTITLE” will appear at the top right of the screen when subtitles are on.
Q) Can I record subtitles with Saorview?
A) Currently there are some approved products that allow recording on an external hard drive. These products are not fully compliant PVRs and do not record subtitles. Saorview is working with manufacturers develop a PVR for Saorview which has an internal hard drive and two tuners. It will be a requirement for this device to record subtitles.
Q) Can I get SAORVIEW in my apartment block?
A) Usually the selection of a TV provider in apartment blocks is made by the initial property developer or the building management company. The National Consumer Agency has useful information for residents regarding television services on their website.
In August 2009 the Competition Authority also issued a guidance note for residents regarding television services in apartments.
Q) Can everyone get Saorview?
A) Saorview is available to 97% of the Irish population now and this will increase to 98% of Irish people on October 24. To see if you can get Saorview in your area, go to Saorviews online coverage checker.
Q) I get TV with an aerial – do I need Saorview?
A) Yes, if you use an aerial anywhere in your home to get TV, you need to switch to Saorview before October 24th. On this day the old analogue service will be switched off and your screen will go blank.
Q) I have a free satellite system – do I need SAORVIEW?
A) Your free satellite system will not be affected by analogue switch off. Many people with free satellite systems watch international channels on satellite and use an aerial to get their Irish channels. If you use an aerial on any TV in your home, you need to switch to Saorview.
Q) I am a SKY or UPC customer or I pay a subscription for my TV – do I need Saorview?
A) If you are paying a subscription to a TV service provider, you will continue to get TV services from these companies after analogue switch off. Remember, if you use an aerial to get free TV on any of the TVs in your home, e.g. in the kitchen or a spare bedroom, you need to get Saorview.
Q) I am a UPC analogue customer- do I need Saorview?
A) Analogue switch off will have no impact on any UPC analogue TV customers.
Q) How do I know if I have Saorview already?
A)If you can get RTÉ News Now, RTE’s 24 hour news channel, on your TV, you already have Saorview.
