Not long ago the last change of the Spanish DTT: the channels in standard definition passed away, making everyone broadcast in HD. This blackout, luckily, did not involve too many changes to our televisions.
However, there are four channels that need a place in the radio spectrum, and therefore, there will be changes in the distribution of this. According to what we read in Expansión, the Ministry is already preparing them: This is how they will look after the restructuring.
A necessary restructuring to accommodate more channels in high (and ultra high) definition
It was the Government of our country itself that gave the warning to the television sector. Its intention is none other than to reorganize the radio spectrum to accommodate a new HD quality channel and four UHD channels in the DTT of Spain. To achieve this, it will be necessary to apply two changes.
The first one, move channels between different multiplexes (a radio frequency channel or band). Secondly, compressing other multiplexes that are already in use to accommodate up to five channels. Until now, each multiplex accommodated a total of four channels, but they will have to be expanded slightly for the new developments that are on the way.
Chart: Expansion
Also, as we can see in the image above, The new HD channel will join the MPE5 multiplex: currently hosts channels such as BeMad, Real Madrid TV, TEN and A3Series. However, BeMad will move to MPE3 and A3Series to MPE2 to make room for the new channel. And the DKiss channel will arrive at this multiplex, moving from RGE2 to MPE5, which after the two exit moves, will have a space for a fourth HD channel.
As we said, this channel does not come alone: The three UHD channels require more movementswhich we describe below. Clan, the children’s channel, will move to the RGE1 multiplex, and will thus contain five HD channels, which by the way, belong to RTVE. Therefore, RGE2 is freed up somewhat, which will now have four channels in UHD resolution: La 1 UHD, RTVE UHD, and two from Mediaset and Atresmedia.
Following the movements of the radio spectrum, there should be room for one HD channel and three new UHD channels
Of all the multiplexes, MPE1, MPE4 and the MAutonomic remain intact. The rest, with the changes mentioned, will be filled with emissions that could harm the quality of these. As we read in Expansión, this risk can be minimized thanks to a technique called statistical multiplexing: it is an intelligent system that is capable of modulating the bandwidth according to demand.
For the future, The bet is the DVB-T2 standard. Currently, with the first version of this technology, up to four HD channels can be accommodated. On the other hand, DVB-T2 allows this performance to be improved by at least 30%. With its popularity still low due to compatibility with current equipment, the deployment is certainly complicated.
However, the big change is expected next year: in mid-2025, if the Government’s plans come to fruition, we will need to retune our television or DTT tuner. In any case, official confirmation is still needed before going through the configuration of the television.
Via | Xataka
Cover image | Erik Mclean on Unsplash