The way of watching DTT as we know it will change radically very soon, so all channels will have to adapt to the new High Definition format if they want to continue broadcasting their programs. As for viewers, it will be essential to have a suitable device to be able to watch all the open content. However, we are going to explain to you what this blackout consists of and how you can enjoy DTT in HD.
February 14, 2024 is the deadline chosen by the Government of Spain, after modifying Royal Decree the Regulation on the use of the public radio domain and approve the National Technical Plan for DTT in January of last year, in which all DTT channels with SD quality (standard definition) or lower will be transferred to the new HD system ( High Definition).
This means that those channels that are not broadcast in HD quality will not appear on your television, unless they change their mind and meet the requirements established to advance in the digital age. Therefore, from that day on, it must be taken into account that only channels that are broadcast in 720p quality or in other higher formats, such as 1080p (Full HD) or 4K, will be visible. But we also have to know if our TV can support this resolution so as not to be left without a signal.
How to know if my TV supports DTT in HD
To know whether or not your television supports the stipulated resolution with the main objective of watching all DTT channels in HD, it is necessary to check its specifications to see if it is compatible with the new format. At a quick glance, you can check if your device broadcasts in HD by simply looking at one of the labels on the box it came in or the HD symbol on the side of the TV.
Obviously, Smart TVs from 2015 onwards will be able to access all DTT broadcasts in HD without any problem, since they are equipped by regulation with the latest DVB-T2 antenna chip.
You can also retune your television before the day of the blackout to have all the channels updated and see if the “fly” or logo contains the HD icon. However, we recommend searching for the DTT channels in HD again on the same day that the new format is put into circulation and customizing the channel number as appropriate.
What other options are there to watch TV in HD?
Not everyone will be able to watch DTT channels in HD because their TV is not compatible with it. If you do not have enough money to purchase a new TV, there are some very practical alternatives that range from purchasing a decoder that can reliably run the MPEG-4 video code and comes with the DVB-T2 tuner, as in the most recent Smart TVs, to the acquisition of a USB or HDMI dongle device, such as the Amazon Fire TV Stick or a Google Chromecast.
In the case of these last two devices, it will be necessary to download a TV streaming application to be able to enjoy all the DTT channels. For example, you can try downloading free apps like Pluto TV or TDTChannels, or other premium options like Tivify.
What will happen to all current channels
Until now, Atresmedia, Mediaset, TVE and some regional channels such as Telemadrid or Canal Castilla-La Mancha are the broadcasts that offer their viewers daily programs in HD.
However, other local channels have already announced that they will join the High Definition party starting February 14, such as Televisión Canaria, Canal Extremadura, La 7, Canal Castilla y León or Cat3, among others.
