The Deputy Ministry of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy is giving a two-month extension regarding the digital terrestrial television platform which viewers are asked to change, either by adjusting their TV or by buying new set-top boxes.
The CEO of HELLAS SAT, Christodoulos Protopapas, speaking on the midday show of ANT1 "Mera Mesimeri", said that an extension of two months will be given, i.e. until July 1.
According to information from Filenews, the reasons for the extension decided by the Deputy Ministry (to be officially announced) are due to the fact that some minor problems occurred, while it was deemed necessary for viewers who need to buy new set-top boxes or adjust their TVs, to have more time.
15,000 set-top boxes sold
The CEO of HELLAS SAT, Christodoulos Protopapas, explained that for 15 years we have been operating with the same television system, stressing the importance of changing the platform like the whole of Europe, i.e. to the DVB-T2 system.
Mr. Protopapas said that so far around 15,000 set-top boxes have been sold.
"In home installations, new antennas have amplifiers. Some antennas get clogged because of the amplifiers and you have to move the antennas a little, move them away from the transmitter. This is how the antenna amplifier will work," said Mr. Protopapas, adding that this problem occurred in only a few cases.
At the same time, Mr. Protopapas pointed out that the new system with the DVB-T2 decoder has a high-definition image on all free channels, even in 4K.
Who is affected by the change in television?
It is worth clarifying that the 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 company, 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.
High demand in electronics stores
As our website had written, great demand is recorded for the new DVB-T2 set-top boxes which are necessary for viewers to receive a signal on the channels as Cyprus changes the Digital Terrestrial TV platform.
