The big analogue switch off is coming in just a few weeks time on October 24th and Toshiba recently completed a survey that shows not everyone has been properly informed about what is happening or what is needed to insure they have no loss of TV service. Basically anyone using an aerial or antenna to receive the few basic channels like RTE, TV3 etc will no longer be able to after the 24th of October as the service that supplies these channels will be switched off.
The new digital service called Saorview that launched on the 26th of May 2011 is the replacement for the old analogue system. This service is completely digital and will require the user to have TV with Saorview/Freeview ability built-in or alternatively you can purchase a set top box that allows you to . Saorview works similarly to the old analogue system in that it requires just an antenna/aerial to get a picture, but since this is a digital service the quality will be much higher and includes HD channels. Anyone that receives channels via UPC/Sky or other cable/satellite TV providers will not be affected by the switch off, just those who currently use an aerial/antenna to receive analogue channels.
The survey from Toshiba shows that from all the people still using the analogue system around half of them aren’t aware they require a Saorview ready device and may be left without TV come the end of October.
“Our survey shows there is still a lot of confusion as to what is needed to be ready for the digital switch. We’re calling on the public to educate themselves on what their choices are now before they’re left without TV signal at the end of October. Saorview is an opportunity to enjoy better choice of entertainment with a high quality viewing experience.” said Oliver Carey, Country Manager Ireland.
[EXPAND Toshiba Press release]
Consumers encouraged to investigate Saorview as confusion could leave large numbers without TV signal post digital changeover
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With only one month to go to Digital switchover, almost 50 % of the Saorview market could be without TV signal post change-over based on current “intent to purchase” information compiled by Toshiba Ireland
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Rural vs City divide remerges due to lack of cable outside of city areas
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Regional differences occur with Leinster least prepared and Connaught/Ulster best prepared
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Toshiba’s range of Saorview approved product is now available countrywide
Dublin, Ireland, 24/09/2012 – Large segments of the general public remain unclear on the date of the digital switchover date with almost 50% not intending to purchase additional equipment before the deadline a survey commissioned by Toshiba Ireland has revealed.
The survey has revealed that a large portion of the population will potentially be left without TV coverage when analogue TV broadcasts cease in October this year.
“Our survey shows there is still a lot of confusion as to what is needed to be ready for the digital switch. We’re calling on the public to educate themselves on what their choices are now before they’re left without TV signal at the end of October. Saorview is an opportunity to enjoy better choice of entertainment with a high quality viewing experience.” said Oliver Carey, Country Manager Ireland.
Drilling down into the figures reveals that the lack of awareness extends to the types of equipment necessary to facilitate the changeover. Almost a half of the current aerial using consumers (48%) are still not aware that they require Saorview ready devices. From a regional perspective, different areas of the country were more aware than other areas. The survey demonstrates those individuals surveyed in Leinster were the least prepared of the four provinces with only 20% of those surveyed aware of the changeover. Munster showed 27% to be prepared while 39% of those surveyed in Connaught were prepared. Ulster showed they had the greatest awareness and were the most ready for the switchover.
“Some information may have been misinterpreted by consumers regarding satellite provider options and led to confusion about the type of devices needed for switchover. It should be set plainly that if you rely on a TV aerial presently you could be left without national channels such as RTE and TV3. unless you purchase Saorview approved product” said Carey.
Toshiba Ireland is continuing its range of its own Saorview approved TV product with the new RL9 and TL9 series as well as including information on what is actually required to meet the digital changeover deadline on their website. All Toshiba Saorview approved product is also Freeview ready for viewers wishing to receive broadcasts in border areas.
“Saorview won’t go away and the benefits are worth the expense as consumers will have a far richer TV viewing experience post changeover. Historically rural TV viewers in Ireland had a limited and often poor TV service. This does not need to be the case anymore and we believe rural TV viewers will really enjoy the benefits brought by the digital changeover. Saorview is now easily available integrated into televisions such as our new models.”
Toshiba advises that those affected by the switchover visit www.saorview.ie for information on the switchover. Further information on Toshiba Saorview approved product can be found at www.toshiba.ie.
About Toshiba
Headquartered in Neuss, Germany, Toshiba Europe GmbH is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Toshiba Corporation, one of the world’s largest computer and electronics companies.
Toshiba Corporation is a leader in information and communications systems, electronic components, consumer products and power systems. The company’s integration of these wide-ranging capabilities assures its position as an innovator in advanced components, products and systems. Toshiba was founded in 1875, and today operates a global network of more than 740 companies, with 198,000 employees’ worldwide and annual sales surpassing US$76 billion.[/EXPAND]
