Having written about it numerous times in recent months I’ve finally had the chance to check out Ireland’s DTT trial for myself today.
I got in touch with the DCMNR – as I said to them, I’ve been watching developments in it so closely it’d be nice to try it out for myself – who kindly organised a set-top box for me this afternoon.
Set up was easy – it was literally a case of plugging it in and switching it on. The menus are decent, EPG is spot-on and the picture quality is superb (I’m watching from Santry, Dublin using a One For All indoor antenna).
The choice of channels is solid too – all six of the Irish broadcasters (bar Setanta) are on it as well as all the BBC digital channels, Sky News, Sky Sports 1 and a few others like UK TV History. I’d put money on a) more channels coming on over the next year and b) the channel list to be very different once the trial is over and a full system is up and running (for example I expect Sky Sports 1 to go, Setanta Ireland to come on and maybe even UTV if rights issues can be resolved).
Those interested in taking part should check this thread out to see if they can bag their own box, although the trial is only available to viewers in certain areas, namely Dublin and Louth.
The only downside is the fact that I’m forced to watch it all on a crappy little portable telly, but with this new addition to my room and the upcoming Leinster Final – which will be broadcast in HD as part of the trial – I think I’ll find it increasingly difficult to avoid buying that 32″ flat screen I’ve been dreaming of for months now!