CYPRUS TV CHANGES MAY DAY FOR THOSE WHO RECEIVE SIGNAL BY ANTENNA - HIGH DEMAND IN ELECTRONICS STORES - Filenews 23/4 by Panagiotis Evripidou
The new DVB-T2 set-top boxes, which are necessary for viewers to receive a signal on the channels, are in great demand as Cyprus changes its Digital Terrestrial TV platform.
Electrical stores that sell these DVB-T2 set-top boxes have a limited number, and, therefore, many consumers who need it to synchronize their channels, if they stay for the last hour, may be inconvenienced.
According to information from Filenews, the demand for this device is very high and this is because, as it turns out, many consumers were unaware of this change. At the same time, electrical stores are placing new orders to bring new set-top boxes next week.
It is recalled that by May 1st, viewers must change the Digital Terrestrial TV platform. This means that if each household does not have the necessary technological infrastructure by the end of April, then it will inevitably stop receiving a signal and will not be able to watch all the channels on its TV receiver.
It is worth clarifying that this change concerns all viewers who receive a television signal through an antenna, and not through a cable or satellite platform.
On the other hand, specific actions are required from the affected viewers such as:
If the TV supports DVB-T2
→ Simple channel retuning
• If it does not support DVB-T2
→ Purchase a DVB-T2 decoder or
→ Buy a new TV with DVB-T2
How the change came about
Following the open tender by the Deputy Ministry of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy, for the Granting of the Right to Use Radio Frequency Spectrum for the Establishment and Operation of a Commercial Digital Terrestrial Television Network (DST) and the provision of Electronic Communications Services, the competent authority granted HELLAS SAT the authorization for the establishment and operation of the new Digital Terrestrial Television platform in the Republic of Cyprus.
The new Digital Terrestrial TV platform
According to information from HELLAS SAT, the new Digital Terrestrial TV platform operates with DVB-T2 technology, which is the most modern European technology for terrestrial digital transmission of television signals.
According to the contractor, it is the technical standard now used by most European countries, because it allows for better image quality, more channels and more efficient use of frequencies. This platform replaces the existing platform currently operated by the company Velister, which is based on the older DVB-T technology.
Who is affected by the change?
As mentioned above, this change concerns all viewers who receive a television signal via an antenna, and not through a cable or satellite platform. For this reason, specific actions are required from the public, such as the readjustment and/or upgrading of television equipment, where necessary.
When will the transition to the new platform take place?
The transition from the existing Digital Terrestrial Television (DVB-T) platform to the new DVB-T2 platform, as reported by the competent authorities, is taking place gradually, with the aim of smoothly adapting the audience.
In particular, for a specific period of time, there is a parallel broadcast of both platforms, both the existing platform operated by Velister and the new platform of HELLAS SAT, so that viewers have sufficient time to take the necessary actions without losing access to television programs. The transition period started on March 30, 2026 and is valid until April 30, 2026.
