**Government Backs Temporary Rollback of TV Signal Standard Amid Reception Issues**
The Cypriot government has announced plans to temporarily reintroduce the old broadcasting standard for television sets due to widespread complaints from viewers who have lost reception following the switch to a new digital standard. Nicodemos Damianou, the Deputy Minister of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy, shared the proposal with the media on Thursday, stating that the previous DVB-T platform will be reinstated for a period of two months. This measure aims to allow television owners sufficient time to make necessary adjustments to their equipment.
The transition to the new DVB-T2 platform, which stands for Digital Video Broadcasting, Second Generation Terrestrial, took place on July 1. This updated standard is designed to provide improved service by supporting high-definition signals and utilizing a larger bandwidth for over-the-air, free-to-air digital television through standard antennas. However, the switch has left thousands of viewers without a television signal, particularly affecting private free-to-air channels. Notably, public broadcasters such as the Cyprus Broadcasting Corporation (CyBC) have not been impacted by this transition.
Among the channels that have experienced reception issues is Sigma, which holds exclusive broadcasting rights for the World Cup in Cyprus. This has raised concerns among sports fans and general viewers alike, prompting the government’s response.
For those who own television sets compatible with the new DVB-T2 standard, a simple re-tuning of channels is typically sufficient to restore service. However, many viewers have reported difficulties even after following this process. For televisions that do not support the new standard, purchasing and installing an external decoder is necessary. Retailers have indicated that most televisions manufactured after 2017 should support the DVB-T2 standard, but this is not guaranteed in practice.
Hellas Sat, the company overseeing the transition to the new broadcasting standard, has reported receiving an influx of calls for technical support since the switch. Issues have been attributed to outdated antenna installations, problematic wiring, and non-compatible decoders available in the market. Christodoulos Protopapas, CEO of Hellas Sat, noted that particular challenges arise from the use of old antenna amplifiers and wiring. Additionally, viewers who imported televisions from Greece may need to adjust their set’s regional settings before re-tuning channels.
The government’s proposal to reinstate the old standard temporarily is seen as a necessary step to address the immediate concerns of affected viewers. The dual operation of both broadcasting standards is intended to provide a seamless transition for those struggling with the new technology.
For those seeking technical assistance, Hellas Sat has provided a support line at 22000737, where customers can receive guidance on resolving reception issues.
As the government moves forward with its proposal, it remains to be seen how effectively this temporary measure will alleviate the challenges faced by viewers across the island. The situation highlights the complexities involved in transitioning to new technology and the importance of ensuring that all citizens have access to essential services such as television broadcasting.