- Ireland’s most-watched television channel is now HD only, meaning all of the top four Irish channels are no longer available on older satellite receivers. RTÉ One’s change affects viewers in both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.
Sky has turned off the standard definition signal of RTÉ One on satellite, ending a month of transition.
18 years after Sky first launched a high definition (HD) service, numerous broadcasters have offered their channels in both picture formats. After UK broadcasters received few complaints about the closure of their standard definition (SD) channels on satellite, Sky has now terminated the main Irish networks. Specifically these are RTÉ One and 2, Virgin Media One and Two, plus TG4.
The move began in April, when TG4’s SD channel was turned off, becoming HD only on Sky’s satellite TV service. Then, in preparation for SD switch-off, RTÉ One became available in HD for the first time on Sky’s satellite service for viewers in Northern Ireland.
Virgin Media One and Two went HD-only 15th April, followed by RTÉ2 last Monday (22nd April).
Other RTÉ channels are not affected, however some of these appear to be on borrowed time. Back in November 2023, RTÉ announced plans to close its timeshift channels RTÉ One+1 and RTÉ2+1 by 2028. Both channels continue to be broadcast in standard definition on Sky satellite for the time being. They are already not present on Sky’s internet-based TV service used by Sky Glass and Sky Stream.
RTÉ has also committed to making its remaining news and children’s channels available in HD in the future.
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What’s changing?
As a result of the changes, the current HD/SD dual broadcast of RTÉ One has ended.
Currently, almost all Sky satellite viewers in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland already receive RTÉ in HD in the main channel slots. Only older boxes will lose access to RTÉ One. If you’re using Sky Q or Sky+HD, you’ll no longer be able to receive the SD version of RTÉ One in the 800s.
Who is affected?
Anyone still using an old, first generation Sky or Sky+ digibox. These receivers will be between 15 and 25 years old.
Who should affected viewers contact?
Sky has been reaching out to subscribers with older equipment. If you’re affected, you’ll need to contact Sky, rather than the broadcaster directly. That’s because – unlike some UK broadcasters who control their own satellite capacity – Sky is directly responsible for the provision of the Irish channels on its satellite platform.
Sky is offering free upgrades. Alternatively, viewers can switch to Sky Stream, where all main channels are available in HD by default. The services are streamed via broadband instead of via satellite.
By: Marc Thornham | Image: RTÉ/stock