Graham Barry
The current analogue television signal will change to digital throughout the country at the end of this month.
The long-awaited digital switchover is taking place on 24 October.
This means the analogue television signal will be turned off in Ireland, and that those who do not have a digital television provider by 24 October will be left watching a blank screen.
Recent statistics show that 97% of people currently receiving an analogue signal are aware of the switchover.
The majority of those who are unaware fall into the 65+ and the 15-24 age brackets.
A choice of three providers is available for those who are yet to switch.
Saorview is the new national digital television service. It carries all the channels people are used to having at home as well as the addition of RTÉ2 HD and a dedicated news channel, RTÉ News Now.
For houses which already receive their television signal through a rooftop aerial, the switch to Saorview can be completed by purchasing a Saorview set top box or an approved Saorview TV.
Basic SAORVIEW Approved set-top-boxes currently cost from €60 to €100 while their Approved TVs start at €120 for the smallest size.
For those who are looking to get more than just the basic channels, both Sky and UPC offer various packages.
UPC provides three television packages. These range in price from €26.50 a month to €36 a month. UPC does not require the installation of a satellite dish, but Sky does.
Sky offers four TV packages ranging from €25 a month to €59 a month.
Image Top: Graham Barry