TV Channels to be Blacked Out from August 28 (But Only for Non-Compatible TVs)

Italian TV Landscape to Change with Introduction of DVB-T2 Standard

From August 28, 2024, the Italian television landscape will undergo a significant transformation with the introduction of the new DVB-T2 digital terrestrial standard.
This transition will lead to the blackout of some channels for Italian TVs.

This change will exclusively affect those who do not own a television compatible with the new system.
Let’s see in detail what this entails: we will explain how to proceed in case of incompatibility and how to manage the transition of some channels to avoid their blackout.

What Does MUX Mean and What Is DVB-T2

Rai will inaugurate the first Mux in DVB-T2, marking a milestone in technological transition.
The term “MUX,” an abbreviation for multiplex, refers to the technology that enables the transmission of multiple television channels on a single frequency.
This technological advancement is crucial to improving the efficiency of television signal transmission.

DVB-T2, which stands for Digital Video Broadcasting – Second Generation Terrestrial, represents the new European standard for digital terrestrial television.
Compared to the previous DVB-T, DVB-T2 offers superior data transport capacity, improved image quality, and more efficient frequency usage.
These features allow for a more stable and high-quality transmission.
Unfortunately, not all our televisions will be able to support this format.

How to Check if Your TV Supports This Format

Televisions that do not support the new DVB-T2/HEVC format are generally older models, purchased before around 2017.
Even some recent models, if not equipped with an HEVC decoder, may not be compatible.

To verify compatibility, you can tune your television to the experimental channel 558 Rai Sport HD Test HEVC.
If the channel is not visible, your TV does not support the new format.
In this case, there is no need to despair: you won’t have to change your TV, as there are other solutions.

If your television is not compatible with DVB-T2/HEVC and you do not wish to replace the device with a model that supports the new standard, you can always purchase an external decoder compatible with DVB-T2/HEVC.

Finally, those who use alternative methods to digital terrestrial television (such as Tivùsat satellite or the RaiPlay app) will not be affected by the changes on August 28.

What Will Change in the Channels?

Some channels will be blacked out for people who have not made the transition.
From August 28, 2024, the channels that will be exclusively broadcasted in DVB-T2 are:
– Rai Storia
– Rai Radio 2 Visual
– Rai Scuola
– San Marino RTV (channel 831)

Channels like Rai 4 and Rai 5 will be repositioned, requiring further retuning for recovery.
Mux B will also host the simulcast of Rai 1 HD, Rai 2 HD, and Rai 3 HD to improve reception in areas with signal issues.
The simulcast allows for simultaneous transmission in both old and new encodings, facilitating the transition for users.

The transition of other channels to the new DVB-T2 standard will occur progressively after August 28, 2024.
The exact dates for the migration of individual channels will be communicated later, but it is likely that the complete transition will take place over several months to allow all users to adapt to the change.