RTE and commercial television stations will begin switching on digital television next year in the wake of a successful trial of the technology, Minister for Communications Eamon Ryan announced today.
The service will be free and is expected to reach 80 per cent of the country initially with all areas expected to be able to access the service within a few months of its launch.
1000 homes and businesses in Louth and Dublin participated in the Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) pilot, which began in August 2006.
Some eight out of 10 people who took part in the trial said DTT was better than the current analogue television.
Ireland will now follow countries like France, Sweden, Norway and Estonia in adopting the latest digital television technology - MPEG 4 - which is capable of offering high definition services and more content.
Mr Ryan said superior technology gives better picture and sound quality and more choice to viewers.
“We have a tight timeframe but I am confident digital television in Ireland will offer new and exciting content and technology to the Irish viewer,” he said.
An estimated 24 per cent of homes which do not have either a cable or satellite connection will have to buy a set-top box to watch digital.
The old analogue system will be switched off in 2012.
Under the new digital system, an expanded free-to-air service will provide up to eight channels including RTE1, RTE2, TV3 and TG4.
There are also plans to introduce a new Oireachtas channel, which will broadcast political debates, and an Irish film channel.
The other 76 per cent of households who subscribe to NTL, Sky or have a satellite connection will not require a set-top box.
A public awareness campaign about the new service will begin next March.
Additional reporting: PA