OIV’s request to shorten the Deadline to switch to new DVB-T2 System

ZAGREB, September 26, 2019 – Odašiljači i veze  d.o.o. (OiV) has submitted a request with rescheduled deadline for the start of usage of the radio frequency spectrum in the frequency range 470-694 MHz for DVB-T2 multipliers M1, effective from 1 July 2020. The usage begins on May 25, 2020. The time required to switch to a DVB-T2 system with the standard H.265 HEVC would happen earlier than expected, i.e the shutdown of the old DVB-T system has started as of June 25 next year. Thus, citizens who watch television programmes at no charge via terrestrial transmitters should adjust their reception equipment by that new date so tin order to watch television content free of charge. All those who do not have DVB-T2 H.265 HEVC TVs or standalone receivers (called Set Top Boxes) that support the new transmitting system (DVB-T2) and the new signal coding standard (H.265 HEVC) will need some time to acquire the appropriate new equipment capable of displaying the picture and making sound.

Currently an old DVB-T system with standard MPEG-2 encodings is used in the Republic of Croatia, which does not allow the broadcasting of all high definition (HD) television that new system needs. All citizens watching television through some paid content platforms, whether through IPTV, cable, satellite or evo tv, will need no adjustment to their equipment. A gradual transition to new technology is in the process, so a new M2 multiplex with transmitters on Sljeme is already in operation in Croatia, in which all four programmes of HTV, Nova TV, Home and Zg Network are in HD. Anyone who purchases new receiving equipment will be able to monitor and integrate everything that the older technologies need to do on the DVB-T system.
 
OIV explains that, in accordance with the RF-DTV-02/19 as the start of transmitting new M1 network and the end of transmitting the MUX A and MUX B network specified on July 1, 2020. Since the 16th European Football Championship will be held from June 12 to July 12. It is considered the change would have more favourable overall effects, such as picture in HD resolution, more likely that the receivers release for sale before European Football Championship will be compatible with the new standard and the stable state of the new system during the championship.

The HAKOM Council has decided to hold a public consultation procedure to amend the license for usage of the radio frequency spectrum for M1 and M2 multiplexes from September 26 to October 11 this year. A final decision is expected soon after the public hearing.

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For additional information please contact:
Croatian Regulatory Authority for Network Industries (HAKOM)
Roberta Frangeša Mihanovića 9
10110 Zagreb, Croatia
Tel. + 385 (0) 1 700 70 07
Fax + 385 (0)1 700 70 70
 
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