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Officials address TV reception problems following digital switch

Cyprus Mail · 2026-07-06

AI SUMMARY

• What happened: The Department of Electronic Communications in Cyprus is working with Hellas Sat to resolve TV reception issues following the transition to the DVB-T2 digital broadcasting system, which requires viewers to retune their televisions or purchase external decoders for older models. • Why it matters: This transition is significant as it upgrades Cyprus to high-definition television broadcasting, aligning it with other European nations and addressing the expiration of the previous provider's license that did not support HD broadcasts. • What to watch next: Residents should monitor updates from the Department of Electronic Communications and Hellas Sat regarding ongoing support and solutions for reception issues, as well as any further developments in the rollout of the DVB-T2 system.

**Officials Address TV Reception Problems Following Digital Switch**

The Department of Electronic Communications in Cyprus has announced that it is actively working with Hellas Sat to address television reception issues that have arisen following the country's recent transition to the DVB-T2 digital broadcasting system. This switch marks a significant technological upgrade for television broadcasting in Cyprus, as the nation moves towards high-definition (HD) television.

The transition to the DVB-T2 system requires viewers to retune their television sets to access the new terrestrial digital television network. Households that own older television models, which do not support the DVB-T2 technology, will need to purchase an external decoder to continue receiving broadcasts. Consumers are advised to consult with retailers when selecting a decoder to ensure compatibility with the new broadcasting standard.

In addition to the decoder requirement, the Department of Electronic Communications has noted that some television sets imported from Greece may need users to adjust their regional settings to another European country. This is due to certain software versions that do not automatically tune to the new transmission frequencies.

For those experiencing difficulties, support is available through the Hellas Sat call center, which operates daily until 9 PM. The department has acknowledged that high call volumes have resulted in delays, but Hellas Sat has committed to reaching out to anyone whose call could not be answered immediately.

Officials have also identified that some reception problems may stem from household antenna systems or internal wiring rather than issues with the network itself. In such cases, Hellas Sat has promised to provide technical assistance to help resolve these problems.

The transition to the DVB-T2 system is particularly significant as Cyprus was among the last European countries to adopt high-definition television broadcasting. The change was necessitated by the expiration of the previous provider's license, which did not support HD broadcasts. Prior to the switch, there was a three-month period of parallel broadcasting on both the old and new networks, accompanied by a public information campaign aimed at assisting viewers in preparing for the changeover.

The Department of Electronic Communications has stated that it will continue to monitor the rollout of the DVB-T2 system closely until all outstanding issues are resolved, ensuring that residents can enjoy improved television services without further disruptions.

Source: Cyprus Mail
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