The year 2025 will bring significant changes to the way the Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) signal is transmitted in Spain, affecting numerous homes across the country. These adjustments will not only modify some frequencies but will also involve the elimination or relocation of certain channels, while others will take the opportunity to improve their broadcast quality.
The main cause of this transformation is the release of the second digital dividend, a reorganization of the radio spectrum that allows for the growing 5G mobile networks. This measure, dictated by Brussels and progressively implemented by the member states, will directly affect the current distribution of DTT channels throughout Spain. To better understand this process, you can consult more information about The advantages and future of DTT.
What does this change in DTT mean for citizens?
The reshuffling of frequencies means that many people will have to adjust their antennas or retune their televisions. to continue accessing the usual channels. This will depend on geographic location, as the impact will be uneven across autonomous communities and, in some cases, even across municipalities within the same region. It is essential that citizens stay informed about these changes.
Some channels will stop broadcasting on current frequencies. and could disappear in areas where the facilities are not suitable. Therefore, it is crucial that property managers, neighborhood associations, and technicians stay abreast of the action schedule stipulated by the government and operators to avoid service interruptions.
Positive developments are also expected: several channels have already started broadcasting in 4K., offering a considerable image improvement, provided the equipment supports this technology. This transition toward a higher-resolution signal is consistent with the current trend in audiovisual consumption and the technological advances that accompany it. Users who wish to enjoy the best image quality should ensure their devices can support the new digital broadcasts.
Regions most affected by the frequency blackout
Communities such as Castilla y León, Galicia, Andalusia and rural areas of Aragón and Extremadura are some of the areas that will experience the most difficulties during this process.This is because coverage in these regions depends in part on repeaters with older or less-updated infrastructure, which complicates reception of the new spectrum configuration. It's important for residents to stay informed about how these changes may affect their access to DTT.
In major urban centers such as Madrid, Barcelona or Valencia, the impacts will be minor., as these cities tend to have more modern technology, active telecommunications operators, and more efficient maintenance networks. Even so, they are not entirely exempt from the need for retuning or technical overhaul.
It should also be noted that change will not happen overnight.The Government has designed a progressive roadmap, which will notify affected areas with sufficient advance notice to allow them to adapt without major complications. However, the responsibility for implementing the necessary adaptations falls on the owners and users.
What users should do to continue watching DTT
In most cases, users of single-family homes or buildings with their own facilities will only need to retune their channels. from your TV's settings menu. This process is simple and doesn't require advanced technical knowledge. It's recommended that all users pay close attention to the instructions provided regarding the retuning process.
However, in communities of neighbors with collective amplification systems It may be necessary to contact a specialized technician to make adjustments to the signal distribution devices. This can be costly, so it's recommended to plan ahead. Local authorities sometimes offer assistance to cover part of these costs, especially in small municipalities or low-income areas.
It is also advisable to check whether the current equipment is compatible with the new digital broadcasts.If the TV is very old or doesn't support the encoding you'll be using after the upgrade, it's essential to purchase a new set-top box or a specially adapted external decoder. This verification is key to ensuring users can continue enjoying their favorite content without interruption.
Users interested in accessing 4K ultra high definition broadcasts They must have televisions that support this resolution and a stable connection, as some channels may broadcast using advanced formats that require greater technical capacity. Broadcasting in 4K will not be mandatory, but it will be increasingly common among national networks.
DTT in 2025 will undergo a transition period that will pose technical challenges in many regions., although it also opens the door to a more modern television, with better visual quality and a wider range of options adapted to viewers' changing demands. Users should pay attention to the messages that appear on screen, communications from their community or city council, and consult a professional if they have questions about how to prepare for the change.