Changes to Spanish TV in 2024
If you watch Spanish TV via a TV aerial , then there are a few changes happening in early 2024 that you may need to know.
Currently channels are transmitted in the DVB-T (digital video broadcasting terrestrial) standard, and in MPEG-2 video format.
And means that many channels are only transmitted in Standard Definition.
In early 2024, 14th February 2024, changes will be made to Spanish TV, and they will move from DVB-T to the newer and more efficient DVBT-2 standard, using MPEG-4 video format.
This means that all channels transmitted will be available in higher quality video resolution and sound.
People whose television has an integrated DVB-T and MPEG-2 tuner may be able to watch the HD channels currently. But come the change over date, they will lose their SPanish TV channels, as their television will not have the requried integrated DVB-T2 and MPEG-4 tuner.
In general any television purchased in 2015 or later will almost certainly have a tuner with the requried integrated DVB-T2 and MPEG-4 tuner features.
If your television does not have the requried integrated DVB-T2 and MPEG-4 tuner, then you either need to purchase a new compatiable television, or buy an external receiver with DVB-T2 and MPEG-4 support. (Doing a quick search on Amazon you will see that there are several compatible models and they have a price that will not exceed 30 euros.)
People whose television has an integrated DVB-T2 and MPEG-4 tuner should not need to change any equipment, and all that they may need to do is to perform a channel scan.
This change was scheduled to take place earlier, on January 1, 2023 but the Spanish government decided to delay this regulation for a year to give consumers time to renew their equipment, and because of the exceptional Covid-19 situation.
How to watch DTT in HD?
To watch DTT in HD, the essential elements to adapt to this technological phase are:
HD compatible TV:
The first step is to check if the TV supports high definition. Newer televisions typically have the ability to receive and display HD signals. However, older televisions may lack this capability so you should consider purchasing a new television that is compatible with HD technology or a decoder or tuner with HD capability.
HD DTT decoder or tuner:
If your television is not compatible with HD broadcasting, it will be necessary to have an HD DTT decoder or tuner. These devices connect to the antenna cable and the television and allow you to receive the DTT signal in high definition format.
DTT Antenna:
The antenna plays a crucial role in receiving the DTT signal. It is important to ensure that you have a suitable antenna in good condition to receive HD broadcasts. It may need to be adjusted to optimize signal reception. In the case of neighborhood communities, it may be necessary to install additional modules or update existing ones, so the community of owners should contact an authorized installer.
Quality cabling:
The cabling used to connect the antenna to the TV or set-top box can also affect signal quality. It is advisable to use good quality cables and ensure that they are in good condition to avoid interference and loss of signal quality.
Channel configuration and search:
Once you have all the necessary elements, you will have to carry out a channel search on the television or decoder. This process will allow you to tune in and save the DTT channels available in your area.
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