Czechia

[CZ] DVB-T2 broadcasting

IRIS 2017-8:1/13

Jan Fučík

Česká televize

České Radiokomunikace a.s. (CRA) is the Czech provider of television, radio and internet infrastructure. It has launched DVB-T2 broadcasting, enabling 26% of the population to view eleven television channels in the second generation standard of digital television broadcasting.

CRA launched the first part of the transitory network for DVB-T2 /HEVC from the Zizkov and Cukrak transmitters in Prague. In the coming months, the network will be extended to other regions, aiming to cover 99% of Czech territory by the spring of 2018. The DVB-T2 network will enable the broadcasting of programmes by commercial television channels even after 2020, when a switch-off of the current DVB-T network is planned. CRA is thus implementing the Strategy for the Development of Terrestrial Broadcasting adopted by the Government.

The transition to DVB-T2 will follow the release of some television frequencies for the allocation of 5G mobile data networks after 2020. Terrestrial broadcasting reception is provided for more than 60% of households. It is the only platform that is free for viewers. The parallel broadcasting launched by CRA also has an important social dimension. People will have time to upgrade their sets - they have until 2020 to buy a new model.

Channels broadcasting in the 12 DVB-T2 transitory network are Prima, Prima Love, Prima Zoom, Prima Max, Prima Cool, Barrandov television, Barrandov Plus, Kino Barrandov, Ocko, Ocko Gold and Slagr television.

To simplify consumer navigation, the CRA has devised certification for television sets supporting the new standard, with a “DVB-T2-certified” logo to be placed on devices which support the new broadcasting standard and have passed the relevant tests. The list of such models is regularly updated.