DVB-T2 is getting closer. What does the new TV standard mean for us and who will be replaced by a TV set? [TOPtech]

Since 2013, the only applicable terrestrial television standard in Poland is the digital standard DVB-T. It was then that the analogue signal ended, which for many people meant the need to replace the TV set.

After 9 years, the situation repeats itself. In accordance with the schedule outlined by UKE, from 27 June 2022, a new standard of terrestrial television will apply throughout Poland – DVB-T2.

So it will be another revolution, albeit on a smaller scale. The most important change concerns the way the image is encoded. For DVB-T2, a new codec is used – HEVC.

Why do we need DVB-T2?

Thanks to the new compression standard, DVB-T2 will offer us better sound and picture quality, as well as a greater number of channels within the terrestrial television multiplex.

After the changes, all channels will be broadcast in HD quality, and some of them in 4K resolution. DVB-T2 also includes several other amenities, such as hybrid HbbTV TV, which enriches the image with interactive elements, support for spatial sound or greater resistance to network interference.

Do I need to replace the TV?

While almost all TV sets sold in our country have been offering DVB-T2 support for several years, some of them can only read the image encoded with the older video coding standard.

Such receivers, after the changes come into force, will not be able to “recognize” the content being broadcast. Put simply – their owners will lose access to digital terrestrial television. The new generation terrestrial television will be encoded in accordance with the HEVC standard

So when choosing a TV in the store, make sure that it supports:

• DVB-T2 standard, image encoding in HEVC standard,
• Dolby E-AC3 audio coding,
• HBBTV standard version 2.0.1.

However, the change of the broadcasting standard will not have any impact on cable subscribers or satellite TV users. These people can rest easy.

How to check if my TV receives DVBT-2 signal

There are two ways to check if the receiver is ready for the arrival of new terrestrial television. First of all, it is worth looking at the device’s manual or its product card on the manufacturer’s website or the store where we made the purchase.

Secondly, we can scan the list of channels available on terrestrial television and check whether the test program launched by UKE, broadcast in the new DVB-T2 standard, has appeared there.

What if my TV does not support the new standard?

If our TV set does not support the DVB-T2 standard or does not support HEVC encoding, then we have two outputs. The first is, of course, the replacement of the receiver with a new one, which will unfortunately be associated with a considerable expense.

The second solution is to buy a special set-top box – terrestrial TV set-top box, thanks to which our older TV set will be able to receive channels in the DVB-T2 standard. The cost of such a device can range from several dozen to several hundred zlotys – depending on the brand and the functions offered.

Recently, the government announced a project to finance the purchase of a set-top box for terrestrial television reception. The decoder voucher is to be PLN 100, but the law on this matter has not yet been passed by the Sejm.