What was announced ended up becoming a reality, after February 14, all the DTT channels that broadcast in SD resolution (480p or lower) have disappeared from the grid. And this has created a problem: those who watched TV with an old device will no longer be able to do so, because will have become obsolete. To alleviate the inconvenience, two of the Autonomous Communities where there is the most impact due to the DTT SD blackout have decided to subsidize the change of equipment.
The changes that occurred in Digital Terrestrial Television in Spain were the news this week, all the SD channels have disappeared to form a grid of chains that is grouped due to the transfer of part of the spectrum to 5G. Given that this SD blackout may imply an outlay for changing equipment, especially in rural areas, some autonomous communities offer subsidies to cover the cost of the change. And they have an expiration date, it is good to know how to order them and until when.
Several promises and only two decided autonomies
After the BOE of January 18, 2023 set February 14, 2024 as the deadline for DTT broadcasts in low resolution, on that day all SD channels disappeared from the grid; forcing TVs and DTT players to retune. With one drawback: those who have an old device will have no choice but to update it if they want to continue watching TV as before.
According to the Government of Spain, 98% of the population has devices compatible with HD television channels; so only the remaining 2% will be forced to renew to continue watching TV. The State does not provide aid for the acquisition of new equipment, but there are two Autonomous Communities that are currently subsidizing the change after the SD blackout: Cantabria and Galicia.
There are other Autonomous Communities that also expressed their interest in helping those who do not have a player or television with an updated DTT decoder; such as Castilla y León and La Rioja. At the moment the grant plan and deadlines were not confirmednor if other regional governments will join the proposal.
It is likely that more regional governments will join in subsidizing the renewal of equipment to watch DTT. There is no help from the central government.
Once the situation is on the table, and knowing that only if you live in Cantabria and Galicia is it possible to request help to renew your TV or player compatible with DTT, let’s look at the amount of the possible subsidy and how to request it.
Aid of up to 500 euros in Cantabria
The Government of Cantabria, as reported in a press conferencewill help families who need to renew their equipment to watch television with a maximum of 500 euros. Aid can be requested until March 11 at the Cantabria electronic headquarters.
Aid of up to 400 euros in Galicia
The Xunta de Galicia aid is active to renew those televisions that do not include a decoder compatible with DTT in HD. They offer a maximum of 400 euros for the first home and up to 200 euros for those who have an obsolete television in their second home. Aid can be requested from February 16 and will be active until May 31. The internal management code is “PR853B”.
Cover image | Ivan Linares
In Xataka Mobile | What if you haven’t done anything to prepare for the DTT blackout. All the options to continue watching the channels