What is Saorsat?
Saorsat is a new Satellite TV system for Ireland. It will work in conjunction with it's terrestrial counterpart called Saorview. Saorsat will be broadcast via satellite and is primarily for reception by the approximate 5% of the population that cannot receive Saorview via an aerial. Because of this 5% RTE must, as a public service broadcaster offer their service to 100% of the population, so that is why we have Saorsat. It is basically more cost efficient for them to broadcast to the remaining 5% over satellite than errect terrestrial transmitters for the people who can't get Saorview.

What does Saorsat mean?
Like it's big brother Saorview, Saorsat draws it name from the same source. Saor is Irish for Free, Sat is short for Satellite. Hey presto, Saorsat.

Can everyone in Ireland get Saorsat?
Every one in Ireland will be able to receive Saorsat. It will have a very tight footprint over Ireland and basically every one here will be able to receive it. In fact, it will have a better coverage than it's terrestrial version but should have the same content and channels eventually. There have even been reports that Saorsat has been received in the Isle of Man, South West England, Northen Ireland and parts of Wales. See map below for approximate coverage range of Saorsat.

So I don't need a TV Aerial to get Saorsat?
No, Saorsat is broadcast via satellite (Eutelsat 9e).

What equipment do I need to get Saorsat?
We recommend an 80cm Satellite Dish and a special type of LNB also (KA Band LNB). You will also need a DVB-S2 HD Satellite Receiver or Saorsat Compatible TV. In the very North of Donegal and the South West of Ireland, it is recommended that you use a 110cm satellite dish

How to tune in Saorsat
Tuning in Saorsat is relatively easy. You will probably need to add the Eutelsat Satellite to your satellites list on your receiver and then add on the appropriate transponder. All can be seen in the video demonstation below. Remember, you cannot get Saorsat on a standard Sky dish, see the video for a further explaination.

How to combine Saorsat & Freesat into a single HD satellite receiver
You can combine the Saorsat & Freesat signals into one DVB-S2 HD Receiver using a device called a Diseqc Switch. A diseqc switch is a relatively inexpensive peice of satellite equipment and is fairly easy to install. See video below.

Why do I need to consider Saorsat?
Well the old analogue TV system is being turned off in 2012. This basically means that if you were using an aerial to receive the Irish channels up to now, either for the main TV or in the kitchen or bedrooms, you will have no signal after the analogue signal is turned off unless you already have a Saorview Box/TV or a Saorsat Box/TV.

I already am with Sky or UPC, do I need to change?
If you are happy enough to pay for your TV, then you don't need to do anything. The fact is thought that a lot of people only sign up for Sky to get the Irish channels as there was no reception in their location for the old analogue signal and it was the only way for them to get the likes of RTE, TG4 etc. With the launch of Saorview and Saorsat, there will be no need for them to pay for their TV service anymore if they so desire.

How soon should I act on this?
As before, you will need to act on this before the DSO (Digital Switch Over) or ASO (Analogue Switch Off) which is due to happen in October 2012.

Will my old Satellite Dish work?
Possibly but we recommend an 80cm Satellite dish for the job and don't forget that your old Sky LNB WILL NOT WORK. You need a KA Band LNB to get Saorsat.

What channels will be available on Saorsat?
It is hoped that the exact same channels and content will be available on both Saorsat & Saorview. That is as it stands now, RTE1, RTE2 HD, TV3, TG4, 3E, RTE News Now, RTE +1, RTE jr and RTE Digital Aertel. As of May 2012, only the RTE channels & Tg4 are available on Saorsat. TV3 & 3e are in continuing negotiations with RTE to be added to the Saorsat channel line up as we speak. On the Saorsat service, you can also pick up the following Irish Radio Stations from RTE; RTÉ Radio 1, RTÉ 2FM, RTÉ Lyric FM and RTÉ Raidio na Gaeltachta as well as RTÉ 2XM, RTÉ Pulse, RTÉ Chill, RTÉ Choice, RTÉ Junior & RTÉ Gold.

Will it cost me much?
It looks like the KA-Sat LNBs needed for Saorsat will be a little dearer initially than standard Sky / Freesat LNBs.

Do I still have to pay my TV license for Saorsat?
Unfortunately, yes.

What about pensioners/ people on social welfare?
No word from the Government on this or on Saorview yet. I would hope so but cannot confirm this. Best to speak to your local welfare office or perhaps the citizens advice office.

Do I need a Satellite Receiver for every TV?
If you want independent viewing on each TV, you will have to. Even though Saorsat is broadcast from a single transponder, you'll still need a box in every room for independent viewing. The good news though is that because Saorsat is broadcast from a single transponder, it means that you don't have to invest in multi feed LNBs (Quad, Octo etc). You can actually split the signal coming from a standard Saorsat KA-Band LNB and run the split Saorsat signal directly to each box.

Will an older TV work with Saorsat?
Yes. If your DVB-S2 HD Satellite Receiver has a Scart output, it will down scale the HD picture to standard definition for older TVs.

Do I need a Receiver if I have a Saorsat Approved TV?
No, the TV by itself will do the job perfectly well for you. (Feb 2102 - No Saorsat Approved TVs on the market)

Can I get the Saorsat Channels on Sky or UPC
You will be able to get most but some like RTE News Now, RTE +1, RTE jr and RTE2 HD will be exclusive to Saorsat and Saorview at least in the short to medium term. Update: UPC have now added RTEjr, RTE One +1 and RTE2 HD in some regions.