Free-to-air Ultra HD arrives in Spain in early 2024

July 24, 2023.

From 2024 onwards, RTVE (the state-owned public media company) will launch a new UHD channel with regular programming. The national broadcaster will use the experience it has gained from its 4K test channel to start broadcasting free-to-air to most of the country without restrictions.

Spain leads the way in providing universal access to Ultra HD 4K technology with this free and unrestricted over-the-air broadcast. The switch-off of SD broadcasts in Spain, scheduled for February 2024, will free up radio spectrum, enabling the nationwide rollout of the new channel.

Is the 4K channel up and running?

Yes: The RTVE 4K channel is currently broadcasting in test mode using DVB-T2. This means you need a TV receiver that supports T2.

While the content currently aired is still in the testing phase, there have already been special broadcasts, like the Qatar World Cup in December 2022, which showcased the potential and advantages of this technology. Under an agreement with SETI, the event was broadcasted in HDR with Dolby Atmos sound.

RTVE's 4K test channel is now available

As an installer, what equipment is required?

From an installer's perspective, a field meter that supports the DVB-T2 standard is essential (all PROMAX field meters have been compatible with T2 since 2012, and, depending on the model, have included a 4K decoder since 2017). The ATLAS and RANGER Neo 4 models include DVB-T2 and a 4K decoder as standard (for terrestrial, satellite, cable, IPTV, or OTT television). Just choose the channel, and the device automatically detects the standard, digital parameters, and starts decoding.

RANGER series meters, including the ECO model, can perform all measurements on DVB-T2 and identify the emission definition, while the Ranger Neo series can also display images of 4K signals in frames using the Frame Grabber functionality, which ensures correct reception of the Ultra HD service.

ATLAS NG and RANGER Neo 4 Analyzers Decoding RTVE's 4K Channel

How to watch the RTVE 4K channel

We need a receiver that's compatible with the DVB-T2 standard and has a built-in 4K decoder. Ideally, it would also support HDR for a wider range of colors, but that's not a must-have.

Since February 15, 2024, the channel will be available in regular broadcasts, but it is already possible to tune it in most provinces of the country.

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PROMAX is a leading manufacturer of test and measurement systems, broadcast and TV signal distribution equipment. Our product lines include measuring instruments for cable TV, satellite TV, broadcast, wireless and fibre optics networks, FTTH and GPON analyzers. DVB-T modulators, IP streamers or IP converters (ASI, DVB-T) are among the company’s latest developments.