**What to Do If You Lost TV Channels After the DVB-T2 Switch**
As of July 1, 2026, many households in Cyprus have encountered issues with their television reception following the transition to the new DVB-T2 broadcasting platform implemented by Hellas Sat. This switch to the more advanced DVB-T2 technology promises enhanced picture and sound quality, a greater number of channels, and improved efficiency in frequency usage. However, some viewers are struggling to retune their televisions and regain access to their channels.
### Understanding the DVB-T2 Transition
The DVB-T2 standard is a significant upgrade from the previous DVB-T system, designed to deliver a better viewing experience. According to Hellas Sat, the new technology allows for the transmission of more data, which improves the overall quality of broadcasts. Despite these advantages, the transition has not been seamless for all users, particularly those with older television sets or equipment.
### Steps to Retune Your Television
For those who have lost channels, Hellas Sat has outlined a straightforward three-step process to retune their televisions:
1. **Check Compatibility**: First, viewers should verify whether their television supports the DVB-T2 standard. Most modern televisions manufactured after 2017 are likely to be compatible. If the television does not support DVB-T2, users will need to purchase an external receiver, which typically costs between 20 to 50 euros.
2. **Connect the Aerial**: Next, it is essential to connect a UHF aerial to the television to receive the DVB-T2 signal. This step is crucial for ensuring that the television can access the new broadcasts.
3. **Run Automatic Channel Search**: Finally, users should navigate to their television's settings and initiate an automatic channel search. This process typically involves selecting “automatic channel search” or “auto tune,” choosing “DVB-T” or “aerial” as the signal source, and starting the search. Once the search is complete, viewers should save the channels that have been found.
For televisions that are compatible with DVB-T2, a simple channel retuning should suffice. However, those with older models may need to invest in a decoder or consider upgrading to a new television set.
### Manual Tuning Instructions
In addition to automatic tuning, viewers can also manually tune their televisions. To do this, they should:
- Press the MENU button on the remote control.
- Access the settings and select the manual search option.
- Set the television to the appropriate channel based on the package being used:
- For package 1, set to channel 35 (or channel 23 in the free Famagusta area).
- For package 2, set to channel 48 (or channel 26 in the free Famagusta area).
### Addressing Common Issues
Hellas Sat CEO Christodoulos Protopapas has acknowledged that a small percentage of households are experiencing difficulties with their aerials. He noted that the new DVB-T2 system transmits more picture data, which can lead to complications for older installations. Additionally, homes equipped with aerial signal boosters may face challenges due to the strength of the new Hellas Sat signal.
The primary issues seem to arise in homes with outdated equipment or lower-quality televisions and decoders. Viewers who are still unable to access channels after attempting to retune should check their cables and aerials for any potential issues.
### Seeking Assistance
For those who continue to experience problems, it is recommended to contact a technician or reach out to Hellas Sat's customer service. Viewers can visit [www.hellas-sat.digital](http://www.hellas-sat.digital) for more information or call the customer service center at 22 00 07 37. The call center operates seven days a week from 9 am to 9 pm, providing support for those affected by the transition.
The transition to DVB-T2 is a significant step forward in enhancing the viewing experience for television audiences in Cyprus. While the initial switch has led to some challenges, following the outlined steps can help viewers successfully retune their televisions and enjoy the benefits of the new broadcasting technology.