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Republic of Ireland Digital TV channels in Northern Ireland

TV viewers in Northern Ireland are now able to watch TG4 and RTÉ One and Two on Freeview following digital TV switchover

Earlier this year, RTÉ, the Republic of Ireland’s national broadcaster, and Irish language broadcaster TG4, formed a not-for-profit venture that assumed responsibility for the installation of the new infrastructure. Freeview delivery of these channels is being supplemented by overspill coverage from SAORVIEW, the equivalent of Freeview in the Republic of Ireland, such that over 94% of homes in Northern Ireland will be able to receive TG4 and RTÉ One and RTÉ Two television services and RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta without subscription for the first time.

According to Minister for Communications, Pat Rabbitte, "Aligning the switchover to take place across the whole island of Ireland on the same day, was clearly a sensible decision. I would like to thank the officials in both jurisdictions for partnering in this coordination. Broadcasting on this island now has a bright, digital future."

UK Communications Minister Ed Vaizey said:“The UK’s switch to digital has been a great success and I’m delighted that TG4 and RTE channels are now available throughout Northern Ireland on Freeview, continuing our delivery on commitments set out in the Belfast agreement” .

Minister of State for Northern Ireland Mike Penning commented: “This is a successful outcome following a huge amount of collaborative work by the UK and Irish Governments, the broadcasters themselves and the regulatory bodies. I'm sure viewers across Northern Ireland will welcome the wider availability of TG4 and the RTE channels.”

To ensure the new Freeview service covers as much of the population as possible, the new service is using the modern MPEG4 and DVB-T2 standards which can be received on Freeview HD equipment. Many of the TV sets, set top boxes, including those available through the Digital Switchover Help Scheme, and digital recorders currently on sale in the UK already meet these requirements. SAORVIEW signals (where available) can be received either through a SAORVIEW approved receiver, newer Freeview products compatible with the MPEG4 standard, or Freeview HD equipment. Viewers should ask their retailer for advice on receiving the services they want.