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Upcoming changes to digital terrestrial television in Spain

Spanish television is about to get a major upgrade. UHD-4K is set to dominate the TV spectrum in the next few months with the launch of three new UHD-4K channels using DVB-T2 modulation.

Viewers will soon enjoy three new 4K channels on the DVB-T2 system, the second-generation terrestrial digital television

After enjoying Digital TV with DVB-T modulation for a long time, the time has come to take a new technological step, consisting of implementing the 2nd Generation Digital TV, the long-awaited DVB-T2.

This change is necessary to accommodate the demand for higher-definition UHD-4K signals, which carry far more data than HD signals. It's important to note that this transition must be made within the existing spectrum, which has been reduced by the government's implementation of the first and second Digital Dividends.

This more efficient use of the spectrum will allow Spain to launch three new free-to-air UHD channels in the coming months.

What technical changes do the three new UHD channels bring?

In order to accommodate these signals within the existing multiplexes, a more efficient modulation scheme must be employed to ensure high-quality image delivery to television sets. DVB-T2 fulfills this requirement, providing a 50% increase in efficiency.

Bitrate, a key measurement in digital TV (and provided by PROMAX meters), tells us the number of bits per second that are being transmitted by a channel and by a multiplex as a whole. DVB-T multiplexes have a fixed bandwidth of 8 MHz, allowing for data rates of 19.6 Mbps, whereas DVB-T2 modulation can achieve up to 50 Mbps.

During the DVB-T to DVB-T2 transition, we're going to face a wide range of signals. A real mixed bag...

• HD signals modulated in DVB-T.
• UHD-4K signals modulated in DVB-T.
• HD signals modulated in DVB-T2.
• UHD-4K signals modulated in DVB-T2.

What impact does the switch from DVB-T to DVB-T2 have on the end user?

To ensure uninterrupted TV service during the shift from DVB-T to DVB-T2, the transition plan will include periods of simulcasting both types of signals. This means the same signal will be broadcast in both DVB-T and DVB-T2 for non-DVB-T2 receivers. Additionally, HD and UHD-4K broadcasts may be duplicated for those without UHD-4K TVs.

At the end of the transition, only UHD-4K signals modulated in DVB-T2 will remain on air.

Viewers with TVs equipped with these features will simply need to retune their sets to enjoy UHD-4K broadcasts. However, they may be unaware of whether they are receiving the signal via DVB-T or DVB-T2.

Users without a UHD-4K TV will need to rescan their channels as they'll be rearranged and grouped differently on each multiplex. However, HD broadcasts will remain accessible for a transitional period.

At the end of the transition, only UHD-4K signals modulated in DVB-T2 will remain on air.

What impact does the switch from DVB-T to DVB-T2 and HD to UHD-4K have on the TV spectrum analyzers?

As we have said, the spectrum of any antenna, in any province of Spain, will vary. Even if the channel numbers remain the same, the programming will be quite different. The installer will need to locate and distinguish between the various signals we've outlined. They must be able to respond appropriately. If the meter can't do this, the installers will be unable to complete their work.

Firstly, the meter must be able to differentiate between DVB-T (current) and DVB-T2 (near future) modulations and perform the corresponding measurements, automatically adjusting its internal parameters to measure these specific signals without the need for manual instrument adjustments.

Secondly, and equally important, the device must be able to differentiate between HD and UHD-4K definitions. This information is crucial to assure the customers that they will be able to view the image with guaranteed quality, regardless of the format.

PROMAX RANGER TV Analyzer series pioneered automatic detection and demodulation of DVB-T and/or DVB-T2 signals. This feature allows for effortless preconfiguration and precise measurements.

SEE ALL PROMAX TV ANALYZERS ›

Additionally, the RANGER Neo line, including the entry-level RANGER Eco, can distinguish between HD and UHD-4K signals, providing details on their resolution and bitrate. Depending on the model, the image may also be displayed in a different way.

It's important to note that all PROMAX meters provide the bitrate measurement, which gives an idea of the amount of information that each service of each channel is carrying. HD services have a lower bitrate than UHD-4K services, and the services of the extinct SD had a much lower bitrate.

What about the earlier PROMAX TV analyzers?

The technology in older meters, like the TV EXPLORER line, is no longer up to par with today's standards. While they were reliable tools in the past, they are currently unable to meet the measurement requirements of the latest TV technologies.

En tal caso recomendamos a los propietarios de estos equipos que se acojan a los generosos Planes Renove de PROMAX para dotarse de Medidores de Campo modernos que les permitirán afrontar todos los cambios que se producirán en los próximos meses e incluso años.

SEE ALL PROMAX TV ANALYZERS ›

What about the low cost analyzers from overseas?

If your meter is a generic, low-cost device, one of the many available on the market designed primarily to adjust a simple satellite dish, it will also be unable to distinguish between HD and UHD-4K signals and may not be able to measure DVB-T2 modulations. It can be taken for granted that this equipment won't be able to handle the upcoming updates that are about to be introduced.

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.