From midnight, television in Cyprus will change radically, as private channels enter the new era and broadcast through the new frequencies (35, 48) and DVB-T2 technology.
However, in order for viewers to be able to continue watching their favourite series and shows, they need to reprogram their devices or get a set-top box.
What they should do
If the TV supports DVB-T2, then a simple retuning of the channels is required.If it does not support DVB-T2, you need to purchase a DVB-T2 set-top box or a new TV.
From Velister to Hellas Sat
The CEO of Hellas Sat, Christodoulos Protopapas, spoke to filenews, who explained that this is the second digital transition that is taking place in all countries. "Cyprus was late in this area, as in the rest of the European countries this change took place a long time ago."
He noted that this is the new broadcasting protocol (DVB-T2), which Cyprus is now also implementing. "As far as I know, RIK will start installing DVB-T2 transmitters."
As he said, the bottom line is that more information is broadcast by each TV channel. "More information is transferred, and more high-definition (HD) channels can be accommodated, as well as 4K, which is ultra-high-definition TV."
In addition, he explained that if a viewer has an old TV, which he bought 3-4 years ago, then he needs to check it and may need a decoder. "But this should have been done already, because from tomorrow Velister stops broadcasting." He added that, if the viewer has the opportunity, he can buy a new TV, which will support DVB-T2 and 4K.
He underlined that this has already been done by all countries. "Even Syria and other countries in the region have long implemented DVB-T2. In the occupied territories they made this change 3-4 years ago."
What is the reason for the delay in Cyprus
Asked what is the reason for this delay in Cyprus, he replied that in 2010 Velister was licensed by the then government, when Europe was already towards the end of the first stage of the digital transition. "The DVB-T2 protocol was launched in 2009," he said.
He added that for 15 years the first DVB-T protocol was used. "The Velister television network was licensed somewhat late, while in other countries 7-8 networks had already been licensed before. Velister's investments were for 15 years. This was followed by the second licensing period, in which Hellas Sat participated. Now we have the license for another 15 years."
Mr. Protopapas clarified that viewers who watch TV through subscription platforms are not affected. "In the future they will not have access to certain 4K channels," he said.
Finally, he pointed out that the new system transmits more information from each channel, making it a little more sensitive to poor wiring installations in homes. "Some technical support may be needed. In the first three months of the transition, the largest percentage of households did not face any problem."
It is recalled that the change only concerns those who receive a television signal through an antenna for free private channels. CyBC's subscription (cable or satellite) platforms and channels are not affected.
Further information and support is available from the Service Centre on 22 00 07 37.
