Will we still be able to watch channels in the DVB-T standard?

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Will all multiplexes broadcast in Poland pass in June this year? to the new DVB-T2 H.265 HEVC standard? Perhaps not everyone knows, but apart from the basic multiplexes MUX 1, MUX 2, MUX 3, there are also a few others. MUX 8 has settled on the VHF band, depending on the region it is 6,7,8,9 or 12th channel.

There is also a nationwide MUX 4 owned by Polsat. And several local multiplexes, the so-called L-s. Test multiplexes DVB-T2 H.265 HEVC are also broadcast. But we will not deal with them in this article, because they cannot be picked up on TVs that do not support DVB-T2 H.265.

Mobile TV or MUX 4

In the case of MUX 4, the matter is simple. Polsat’s offer is not intended for hotels or guesthouses. The Mobile TV package is intended only for natural persons and requires a special set-top box, popularly known as a decoder, because the transmission is encrypted. Except for Wiadomosci 24 channel. There are no decoding cards available as all data is stored in the device memory. The change of the MUX 4 broadcasting standard requires the replacement of all receivers in the possession of subscribers. Therefore, the operator decided to terminate the service. A new platform is to be built in its place.

Nationwide multiplexes

Multiplexes – MUX 1, MUX 2 and MUX 3, depending on the region of Poland, will switch to the new standard in the period from the end of March to the end of June 2022. Here the decisions have already been made.

And if one of the hotels misses the modernization of the television system, then after June 27, and some facilities even earlier, it will not be possible to receive the following channels.

Multiplex 8

To receive MUX 8, you need an antenna designed to receive channels broadcast on the VHF band (174-230 MHz). It is often necessary to modernize the antenna network and add a VHF antenna or replace the UHF antenna with the so-called combo. So designed for simultaneous reception in the VHF and UHF bands.

HbbTV channels on MUX 8

There are also channels on MUX 8 that exclusively provide HbbTV content. HbbTV (Hybrid Broadcast Broadband TV) is a hybrid television standard that combines the broadcast of television signals with multimedia content delivered to a television set via broadband Internet. Access to the materials offered by broadcasters is a bit like VoD services, i.e. TV on demand. Only materials selected by the viewer are broadcast. Channels that only work in the HbbTV system on MUX 8 are TVP Kultura 2, TVP eSzkoła, Legia TV and Emitel.

HbbTV is an added value to the TV that extends the entertainment offer in the guest room. Unfortunately, this functionality is practically unnoticed by hoteliers. Very often, not even running on the TV. This reflects badly on the retailer for whom it is only important to sell TV sets, and not real advice based on knowledge, knowledge of the hospitality industry and experience.

Multiplex 8 is the only nationwide multiplex that will continue to broadcast DVB-T H.264 (AVC) after June 2022. This is good news for anyone who misses the modernization of their hotel television system on time.

But the idyll may not last long. The National Broadcasting Council has published the position of the chairman, Witold Kołodziejski, which shows that the TV channels broadcast on MUX 8 may be transferred to another multiplex. The operation is to be carried out in order to free up space for digital radio DAB +. Soon KRRiT is to announce a competition for a nationwide DAB + multiplex. If such an undertaking occurs, the channels from MUX 8 will be moved to the higher UHF band and connected to the already operating test MUX 5 or MUX 6, which will be created in the future. Then all channels will have to automatically switch to DVB-T2 HEVC H.265.

According to the latest information, the shutdown of MUX 8 is scheduled for November 25, 2022.

It is only a pity that after a few years, the investments related to the adaptation of the antenna installation in the hotel to receive the VHF band will turn out to be unnecessary.

Local multiplexes

In some regions of the country, local multiplexes are broadcast. The “lucky ones” can receive additional channels in Wrocław, Świdnica, Jelenia Góra, Lubań, Bolesławiec, Głogów, Lubin, Częstochowa, Kamieńsk, Tomaszów Mazowiecki, Rybnik and in their vicinity.

Of all local multiplexes, only the MUX L1 operator is required to change the method of broadcasting no later than June 27, 2022. The operator of MUX L1 is MWE Networks. It is also an operator for the L3 and L4 multiplexes. It is likely that these multiplexes will soon switch to the new standard.

Judging by the statements in the media, other operators of local multiplexes are also inclined to change the standard of broadcasting. Especially that such a change is tempting with better quality of programs and the possibility of increasing the number of broadcasting channels.

The landscape after the battle, i.e. there is no risk of blackout.

There is a high probability that at least by the end of the year it will be possible to receive TV channels in the DVB-T H.264 AVC (Mpeg4) standard. The offer looks interesting. Several, and in some regions of the country, even a dozen or so TV channels. It is true that the most popular channels are missing, but … something for something. Guests will not complain that there are no Polish channels. Of course, you will always find yourself dissatisfied with the lack of a specific channel. For hotels that did not “manage” on time with the modernization of television, it is a few additional months to choose an appropriate solution, tailored to the needs and scale of the facility.