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Television in Cyprus: Changes from Saturday. Check your receiver.
Television in Cyprus is transitioning to a new broadcasting standard. The gradual shutdown of the old Velister network will begin on Saturday, October 10. Viewers receiving private channels via antenna should check whether their devices support DVB-T2 and receive programs from the new Hellas Sat platform.
In many cases, automatic channel scanning is sufficient. Older TVs may require an external decoder, which is estimated to cost €30-35. The shutdown will be implemented in stages. This change does not affect internet, cable, or satellite reception.
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Television in Cyprus will change in stages
On Saturday, the entire existing network will not be shut down at once. Hellas Sat announces a gradual transition to the new platform to more easily detect problems and help recipients.
The smaller Velister transmitters, which serve a limited number of viewers, will be shut down first. The operator will then shut down larger facilities. The transmitters in Vavatsinia and Madari will be the last to go.
The goal is to complete the transition before the holiday television season. The process could last until November, but a precise timeline for individual locations has not been provided.
Therefore, there's no point in waiting for programs to disappear. Channels currently in operation may still be from the old network.
Step-by-step instructions
How to check DVB-T2 reception?
Start by searching for programs again. The names of the options vary by manufacturer, but you'll usually find them in the channel settings.
- Open the settings of your TV or set-top box.
- Select terrestrial or antenna reception.
- Start automatic channel search.
- Save the found programs and check the picture and sound.
Tip: according to the operator, reception of the HELLAS SAT information channel confirms that the device is receiving the new platform.
Do you need to buy a new TV?
If you don't receive any channels after scanning, it doesn't necessarily mean you need to replace your receiver. First, check your device's manual or specifications to see if it supports the DVB-T2 standard.
If your TV is not compatible with the new platform, the solution may be external DVB-T2 decoderAccording to a Hellas Sat representative, suitable devices cost around 30-35 euros.
Before purchasing, confirm with your retailer that the decoder is compatible with the Cypriot platform. Also, check if it can be connected to your TV's ports.
The operator also reports issues with certain models from one manufacturer. In such cases, device updates are being prepared. Therefore, it's worth contacting technical support before purchasing additional equipment.
Check the installation
No channels? Also check your antenna.
Not every problem is due to the age of the TV. Before purchasing a decoder, check three elements of the antenna installation.
Antenna setup
Check that the antenna is pointed at the correct transmitter.
Antenna cable
Check the condition of the cable and any visible damage.
Plugs and connections
Make sure the cables are connected properly and the plugs are not loose.
Where were the signal problems?
Reception difficulties were reported in Xylofagou and Xylotymbou, among other places. According to a Hellas Sat representative, the cause was signal interference from Syria.
Operator technicians and administration representatives carried out work there and changed transmitter settings. This is intended to improve reception of the new platform.
In addition, Hellas Sat has ordered additional transmitters for mountainous towns that were previously outside the Velister network's coverage area. This expansion will enable residents of these areas to receive programs.
Television in Cyprus - where to get help?
If you still experience difficulties after rescanning channels, please call Hellas Sat technical support at +357 22 000 737.
Before calling, have the name of your city and the model of your TV or decoder ready. Also, explain whether all private channels are missing or just some programs. This information will help determine the cause.
Those who already receive the new platform correctly do not need to re-scan for channels. Internet, cable, and satellite TV users, however, do not need to change the settings of these services due to the Velister transmitters being turned off.
Sources: Hellas Sat, Philenews, OmegaLive.
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