The day of the DTT blackout has arrived. As of today, TV channels broadcasting in standard quality (SD) will disappear and only the high definition (HD) signal will reach these devices. A leap, in terms of television format, that should have been made in January 2023, but postponed due to the pandemic until February 2024 by the Ministry for Digital Transformation.
The objective of the measure? Improve the image quality of all channels. So today, conventional television consumers with old sets without an HD signal will see, if they have not taken measures, how the screen remains black. But everything has a remedy. Here’s a guide to surviving the last of the TV blackouts.
Who does it affect?
Any TV purchased after 2015 should, by regulation, allow you to tune in HD channels. This reduces to 2% the number of televisions affected by this blackout of those currently in Spain, according to calculations by the Ministry of Digital Transformation. So, 98% of people with television at home – unless they need antenna adjustments – only have to pay attention to the changes to reorder their channels.
Tune back in
On these TVs where you can already see the HD channels, the only change from today is that the SD channels of the channels that broadcast with both signal qualities will disappear. Only the HD channel will remain, and the only thing to be aware of is that if you tune in again, the places in the channel list will change, after the standard signal automatically disappears.
I keep my old TV
If our TV is old and does not have an HD signal, two options open up. Maybe it’s a good time to change appliances and retire the veteran model from home. But if this is not possible due to a lack of budget, you can continue to tune in the new and unique signal with an external decoder for DTT in HD. The demand for these devices has skyrocketed in recent weeks, which has increased their price. A decoder can be found on the market, which is connected to the TV by Euroconnector or HDMI, for an amount that can range from 20 to 40 euros. It is predicted that the elderly will be the most affected by this blackout. Also the old televisions that continue to provide service in second residences, geriatric homes or hospital centers.
And the antennas?
To receive the HD signal, you need a DTT antenna adapted to all bands and with filters for the 4G and 5G signals of the mobile operators. But don’t panic. This antenna was already required to receive the SD signal, so most homes will not have this problem. If it were necessary to adjust it in the case of communities of neighbors or public spaces, it would be necessary to install additional modules or update the ones that are already there. It is advisable to leave the matter in expert hands.
And with the satellite signal?
More problems can be registered here. The satellite signal is used in shadow areas, where the antennas do not work. If it is satellite, it already includes all DTT channels, including HD; there should be no problems. Yes, they will be left with a black screen, on the contrary, the satellite receivers that now only receive the SD signal. In these cases, it will be necessary to contact authorized dealers to change the reception system. The problems of this satellite signal in shadow areas especially affect rural areas. In Galicia, for example, aid is already being requested to cover the amount that will have to be paid by residents of small towns that from today may be left without a television signal. Here, a simple decoder does not solve the problem and a much more expensive technology is needed.
Quality wiring
With the HD signal it is advisable to make sure that the antenna cable or that of the decoder is good in order to avoid loss of quality in the signal.
