Freeview is a free digital service providing up to 60 free digital TV channels, over 30 digital radio stations plus a whole new world of interactive services. It is broadcast from transmitters and received via a digital aerial. It works like a traditional TV but because the signals are Digital you need a box to convert them (or a new Digital TV with all the technology already builtin). This means more channels can be transmitted with extra features such as interactivity and Electronic Programmed Guide View 7 days of TV listings. So you may ask "what’s the difference between Freeview and Freesat?". All the Free- to- Air systems are "freeview" but Freesat works with a dish and digital freeview works with a Tv aerial.

SAORVIEW is the name RTE have given to their new freeview service (DTT- digital terrestrail television) which is to replace analogue television in Ireland. Analogue television which currently consists of RTÉ 1 - 2, TV3 and TG4 will be turned off in late 2012. SAORVIEW was "turned on" on the 29th October 2010 as a trial service and was available to 90% of the population. The service is all most fully launched now and by the end of 2012 saorview will be available to 98% of the population. ( In order to recieve it you will require a tv aerial and a tv which is Mpeg4 compatible, or a STB) RTE 1, RTE 2, TV3, TG4, RTE News Now and 3E are being broadcast although the final channel line-up has not yet been announced.