Today, Wednesday 28 August, marks the beginning of a small revolution for Italian television with the adoption of new Dvb-T2 standard and Hevc video encoding (High Efficiency Video Coding). This change will provide sharper images and higher quality, but may involve some adjustments.
Why this passage? The transition to DVB-T2 and Hevc is necessary for free up frequencies for 4G and 5G. The 700 MHz band, previously used for TV, will be dedicated to mobile connectivity, improving the speed and efficiency of communication networks. But what changes? Here's everything you need to know
New digital terrestrial: what changes for families?
Starting today, some Rai channels will begin broadcasting with DVB-T2 and Hevc. In practice it means sharper images, less interference, and higher overall quality. But if the television is not compatible, you risk only seeing a black screen.
For now, Rai has started the transition to "minor" channels such as Rai Storia, Rai Radio 2 Visual and Rai Scuola, while the main Rai channels (Rai 1, Rai 2, Rai 3) will continue to be visible with the old standard, giving the necessary time to check the compatibility of the televisions.
How to know if your TV is compatible with DVB-T2?
Televisions purchased from 22 December 2018 are already compatible with DVB-T2 and require only one retuning of the channels. For check compatibility, you can consult the manual or technical data sheet of the device.
For a practical check, it is advisable to tune in to the following channels:
- Until August 28, 2024: Channel 558 (Rai Sport Hevc test).
- From 28 August 2024: Channels 501 (Rai 1 Hd), 502 (Rai 2 Hd), 503 (Rai 3 Hd), 54 (Rai Storia Hd) and 202 (Rai Radio 2 Visual Hd).
- You can tune in to channel 200, which broadcasts a sign reading “Test Hevc Main 10.”
If these channels and the sign are visible, the device is compatible with the new standard. If only channel 57 (Rai Scuola HD) is visible, it means that the device supports DVB-T2 but not Hevc encoding.
After the transition, it will be important retune the television to continue receiving Rai channels without interruptions. The current antenna and system are already compatible with the new standard, so no changes will be necessary.
Solutions for incompatible TVs
If your TV fails the test, you will need to get a DVB-T2 decoder or consider purchasing a new television compatible.
For the over 70 with income less than 20 thousand euros per year, the home decoder bonus is available, which allows you to receive a compatible decoder for free. Just make a phone call, go to a post office, or request it online.
