Teilifís

Teilifís is the Irish word for television, referring to both the medium of broadcasting moving images and sound and the device used to view such broadcasts. It is used in Ireland and among Irish speakers to name the English term television in a native language.

Etymology and usage: Teilifís is the Gaelic rendering of television; the English word television derives from tele- meaning "far" and vision meaning "seeing," with the Irish form adapted to Gaelic phonology and spelling.

History: In the Republic of Ireland, regular television service began in 1961 with Teilifís Éireann, which later became Raidió Teilifís Éireann (RTÉ). Colour broadcasting began in the early 1970s. The public television landscape expanded to include RTÉ One and RTÉ2, with the Irish-language service evolving into Teilifís na Gaeilge and later TG4, launched in 1996.

Technology and services: Since the late 20th century, Irish television has shifted from analogue to digital broadcasting. The digital switchover was completed in 2012. Saorview, the national digital terrestrial service, launched in 2011 and provides free-to-air channels alongside RTÉ and TG4, with additional channels available via satellite and broadband streaming.

Role and impact: Television remains a central mass medium in Ireland, supporting Irish-language programming and contemporary culture. The term Teilifís continues to be used in everyday Irish to refer to both the device and the medium.

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