Are you wondering about how to get Saorview on a smart TV? This Saorview guide will show you how to do it, step-by-step. Saorview is a free TV Ireland service that offers a wide range of channels. It is available on many different devices, including smart TVs. If you have a smart TV and want to watch Saorview, follow these steps.
What Is Saorview?
Saorview TV is the new Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) service in Ireland. The old analog TV service obtained by TV aerial (rooftop or bunny ears) is replaced with a new digital TV signal. This will be referred to as Saorview in Ireland. The Saorview digital TV Aerial (UHF type) will still be used to receive it, but the picture quality will be considerably better. Ultimately, all channels will be transmitted in HD.
How To Set Up Saorview?
Material needed:
- Saorview connect box
- saorview remote and batteries
- The power cable of the connect box
- HDMI and ethernet cable
- You will also need the cable for your tv aerial
All of these items are provided in the box
Steps to follow:
- Plug the cable from the correct TV aerial into the back of the Saorview box
- Connect the Saorview Connect box to your tv using the HDMI cable
- To access the online players you’ll need to connect your box to the internet
- The best way to do this is to connect the ethernet cable from your box to your broadband router. Or you can connect through wi-fi later in the setup.
- Next, connect the power cable to your Saorview box and plug it into a socket
- Use the remote control to turn on the box as the box boots up you will soon see the Saorview logo appear on the screen
- If a software update is available you will be asked if you want to download it and accept it, we recommend that you do
- Your box will ask you if you want to scan for the Saorview TV channels press ok on the remote, it takes a few minutes.
- If you didn’t connect to the internet with the ethernet cable earlier you can connect now via wi-fi
- Select the wi-fi network using your remote and then use the keys to enter your wi-fi password
- You will be asked if you will be willing to provide usage data, to select between English and Irish, and whether you would like to register for a Saorview ID
Do this and then you’re ready to watch tv and get the most out of your Saorview Connect.
How To Connect to the Internet?
When you connect the Saorview Connect box to broadband, you have access to On Demand players and other features. A minimum broadband speed of 2Mbps is required.
The best method is to use an Ethernet cable (provided). You may also connect to your Wi-Fi network once the box is turned on and during setup.
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Use an Ethernet wire to connect
When watching On Demand, connect your Saorview Connect box to the router via Ethernet wire for optimal performance.
The connecting method for most home routers is straightforward. Simply connect one end of the Ethernet cable to the Ethernet port on your Saorview Connect box and the other to an Ethernet port on your router. The router will recognize the box and generate the required settings.
Some routers need the manual configuration of the connection between the Saorview Connect box and the router. To change the internet connection settings manually, hit HOME and then Settings. Choose Internet connection and click OK. To access the manual setting screen, select Network Setup.
NOTE: Only proceed with this step if you are acquainted with managing network settings.
If the Saorview Connect box is already linked to the router, a message on the screen says: ‘Great, you’re already connected via an Ethernet Connection.’ If this is not the case, the notice will state, ‘No Ethernet or Wi-Fi connection is detected.’
If using an Ethernet cable is not possible, you may connect your Saorview box to your broadband network using Wi-Fi.
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Connect through Wi-Fi
Select Network set-up under Internet connection in Settings to connect to the Internet over a secure Wi-Fi network. You’ll be asked to join your selected Wi-Fi network and enter your password. (Keep in mind that passwords are case-sensitive.) After entering your password, follow the on-screen directions to finish the setup.
If you wish to change your Wi-Fi connection at any moment, click on Settings then Internet connection from the Home screen menu, and the box will display accessible wi-fi networks.
How Can I Gain Access To Saorview Connect?
First, make sure you’re in an area where the service is available.
To obtain Saorview Connect, you must first purchase a Saorview box or Saorview TV.
To get a decent signal, connect your Saorview equipment to an external aerial on your roof – just make sure your cable is of excellent quality. However, depending on your location, you may be able to get Saorview using an indoor aerial.
Don’t worry if you don’t already have an aerial. Simply ask your local electrical merchant to recommend an approved installation.
Will My Old Aerial Still Function?
It may work out. In some circumstances, alignment adjustments and new UHF TV aerials will be required. If you are already receiving analogue TV with an aerial and your TV3 reception is good/very good, you will not need to alter or reposition your aerial. If this is not the case, you will need to buy a new aerial or have the old one re-aligned if it is compatible with Saorview.
What If I want Saorview And BBC Channels?
Saorview can be combined with other free-to-air or paid TV services now available in Ireland, whether terrestrial, cable, or satellite. It provides access to non-Irish TV channels and services from the BBC’s rolling news channel, ITV, Channel 4, and others. If you want to watch free Irish and UK channels, a Combo Receiver is the box to get. All of the UK and Irish Digital channels are available on a single receiver with no bills.
How Much Does Saorview Connect Cost?
Saorview Connect is free to use, however it may be for certain people depending on how they want to get Saorview. It will be if you have to install a new aerial, buy a new Saorview TV, and choose a high-end model. In addition, each TV set that uses the service will require a box and an aerial connection, which might be costly. It will be less expensive if you only purchase one set-top box. An official Saorview Approved box now costs roughly €65-90, however generic Digital Terrestrial Receivers cost between 50 and 60 euros.
Is A Saorview Box Required If I have A Saorview Approved TV?
No, the Saorview smart TV will operate great in a one-room or one-TV setup. All you need is the proper TV Saorview aerial to go with it. People picked the Saorview Set Top Box since it is the cheapest choice and suits most people. However, if you are updating your Saorview TV, invest an additional few pounds and ensure that it can be a smart tv with Saorview.
What Channels Are On Saorview?
- RT Digital Aertel RT Digital Aertel RT Digital Aertel
- Raidi na Gaeltachta, Raidi na Gaeltachta, Raidi na Gael
Saorview has no intention of offering pay-TV services now. This is most likely to be true in the medium to long term, given Ireland’s present economic status.
What UK Channels Are Available On Saorview?
Unfortunately, Saorview does not support any of the UK Free to Air channels. Saorview exclusively transmits domestic Irish television and radio networks.
RT One, RT Two HD, TV3, TG4, RT News Now, 3e, RTjr, RT One + 1, and RT Digital Aertel are among the channels and services that will be available on SAORVIEW.
RT Radio 1, RT 2fm, RT lyric FM, RT Raidi na Gaeltachta, RT Choice, RT Pulse, RT 2XM, RT Gold, RT Chill, RTJnr, and Radio 1 Extra will also be available on SAORVIEW.
So, whether you buy a Saorview Set Top Box or a Saorview Approved TV, you’ll get the above-mentioned channels. You’ll also need a UHF TV aerial and some wire to connect it to your set-top box or television if you don’t already have one. You could attempt an indoor aerial (bunny ears), but we wouldn’t put much trust in them unless you live in a heavily saturated Saorview signal region.
A Combo Device is the best method to get both the new Saorview channels and the free UK channels on one receiver.
Should I Purchase Saorview Connect?
Saorview Connect, like any other product or service, has advantages and disadvantages. Here are a few to think about:
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Pros of Saorview Connect:
There are no monthly bills.
There is no long contract
To catch up on all your favorite shows, use the seven-day TV guide and roll-back tool.
Availability of on-demand players
Pause and record live television
Record a single episode or a complete television show.
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Cons of Saorview Connect:
The initial set-top box is expensive enough (up to €200).
The Virgin Media Player is currently unavailable.
If you reside in a remote place, you may not be able to obtain the signal. There are just a few channels available if you connect to an antenna.
If you want to watch more channels than what Ireland has to offer, you’ll have to pay for a satellite dish and installation.
Conclusion:
Saorview Connect is a great way to get free, high-quality television in Ireland. However, it is important to be aware of the drawbacks before making a decision. First and foremost, the initial set-top box is expensive. Secondly, if you reside in a remote area, you may not be able to obtain the signal. Thirdly, if you want to watch more channels than what Ireland has to offer, you’ll have to pay for a satellite dish and installation.
If you’ve read through the pros and cons and still feel that Saorview Connect is the best way to watch television in Ireland, then we would encourage you to get your Irish television set-top box as soon as possible.
Make sure to have a look at our blog for more info!
