Frequently Asked Questions

All the answers you need about digital terrestrial television DVB-T2

Transition to the new DVB-T2 platform

From the existing Velister DVB-T platform to the new HELLAS SAT DVB-T2 broadcast platform

The Department of Electronic Communications of the Deputy Ministry of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy, following an open tender for the Granting of Radio Spectrum Usage Rights for the Establishment and Operation of a Commercial Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) Network and the provision of Electronic Communications Services, has granted HELLAS SAT the Authorization for the establishment and operation of the new Digital Terrestrial Television platform in the Republic of Cyprus.

The new Digital Terrestrial Television platform will operate with DVB-T2 technology, which is the most modern European technology for terrestrial digital television signal transmission. It is the technical standard now used by most European countries because it allows better picture quality, more channels, and more efficient use of frequencies. This platform will replace the existing platform currently operated by Velister, which is based on the older DVB-T technology.

The transition to the new DVB-T2 platform aims to:

Improve picture and sound quality

Make more efficient use of the radio spectrum

Enable the provision of more television services

Comprehensively upgrade Digital Terrestrial Television services for the public

This change affects all viewers who receive television signal via antenna, and not through cable or satellite platforms. For this reason, specific actions will be required from the public, such as retuning and/or upgrading television equipment where necessary.

The transition from the existing Digital Terrestrial Television platform (DVB-T) to the new DVB-T2 platform will take place gradually, aiming for smooth public adaptation. For a specific period, there will be parallel broadcasting of both platforms, both the existing Velister platform and the new HELLAS SAT platform, so that viewers have sufficient time to take the necessary actions without losing access to television programs. The full transition and the definitive cessation of the old platform, as currently announced, will be on May 1st, 2026.

Broadcast Frequencies

The existing platform operates on channels 21 and 30 in all areas of Cyprus, and on channels 39 and 41 in the free areas of Famagusta. The new HELLAS SAT DVB-T2 platform will broadcast on channels 35 and 48 in all areas of Cyprus, while in the free areas of Famagusta it will use channels 23 and 26.

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With the new HELLAS SAT platform operating on DVB-T2, you will watch the same channels but with better picture and sound quality. If your TV is older, you may need to retune it or use a DVB-T2 decoder.

The change involves upgrading the digital terrestrial television to a newer transmission technology.

DVB-T2 is more modern than DVB-T and allows:
• Better picture and sound quality
• More television channels
• More efficient use of frequencies

The transition to DVB-T2:
• Is a European and international practice
• Enables future services (e.g., HD/Ultra HD)
• Ensures better and more stable reception

The change will take place on May 1st, 2026. There will be a parallel broadcast period with the existing VELISTER platform from March 30th, 2026.

Citizens will be informed:
• Through announcements
• From the company website
• Through television and media
• Through social networks

Yes, as long as your television equipment supports DVB-T2.

Yes, all existing channels will continue to be free through the new platform. The change only affects how the signal is received, not the cost or content of the channels.

Yes, there will be a transition period during which both platforms will broadcast (the old DVB-T and the new DVB-T2), so you have enough time to adjust your equipment without losing the channels.
The transition period will be from March 30th, 2026 until April 30th, 2026.
From May 1st, 2026, only the new HELLAS SAT platform operating on DVB-T2 will be active.

Yes, in addition to Digital Terrestrial Television, Cyprus also has other forms of digital television, such as satellite television and cable television. The change to the new DVB-T2 platform only affects terrestrial television via antenna that broadcasts private channels. The reception of RIK platform television channels is not affected.

It depends on their equipment:

• If the TV supports DVB-T2 →
✔️ Simple channel retuning

• If it does not support DVB-T2 →
✔️ Purchase a DVB-T2 decoder or
✔️ Purchase a new TV with DVB-T2

The citizen can:
• Check the TV manual
• Look in the settings menu
• Search for the model online
• Check if DVB-T2 or HEVC/H.265 is indicated

Generally, TVs manufactured after 2017 usually support DVB-T2.

It is a small device that:
• Connects to your existing TV
• Converts the DVB-T2 signal to display normally

It does not require changing the antenna.

No, in most cases:
• The existing antenna remains the same
• Only retuning is required

Antenna replacement is only needed if there was already a reception problem.

No, the new digital platform uses the same transmission points as the existing platform.

Your antenna should be directed towards the nearest transmitter of the new DVB-T2 platform for proper reception. No change in direction is needed because the new digital platform uses the same transmission points as the existing platform. If there are reception problems, you can readjust the antenna or request technical support.

No, the channels remain. With retuning, they will appear normally again.

Steps:
• Retune the channels
• Check if the TV or decoder supports DVB-T2
• Check cables and antenna
• If the problem persists, contact a technician or the call center

• No for receiving the channels
• Yes, only if you need:
◦ Purchase a DVB-T2 decoder
◦ Or a new TV

If the necessary actions are not taken, such as retuning the TV or using a DVB-T2 decoder where needed, you will not be able to watch channels via antenna when the transition to the new platform is completed.

Yes, the new DVB-T2 platform will offer high definition (HD) channels, so you can enjoy better picture and sound compared to the old platform.

You will continue to receive all the existing channels you have been watching, but now through the new HELLAS SAT DVB-T2 platform. Depending on your area, reception is from broadcast channels 35 and 48, while in the free areas of Famagusta, channels 23 and 26 will be used.

If your TV does not support DVB-T2, you will need a decoder (set top box) to watch the channels on the new platform. Basic DVB-T2 decoders that receive digital terrestrial channels usually cost about 20-50 euros in the market, depending on the features (e.g., HDMI output, USB recording, HD quality).

You can purchase a DVB-T2 decoder from electronics stores and physical electronics retail stores in Cyprus or online.

The change is technical, but:
• Assistance from relatives or a technician is recommended
• Retuning is a simple process

• At the customer service call center
• On the official company website – www.hellas-sat.digital
• From informational messages on television
• From the website of the Deputy Ministry

Yes. After the transition date (May 1st, 2026), the signal will only be broadcast in DVB-T2, from the HELLAS SAT Digital Terrestrial Television platform.

If you receive the HELLAS SAT channel, it means you are receiving the new platform and your TV supports DVB-T2.

Yes. DVB-T2 offers:
• Better picture quality
• More stable signal
• HD support

The technology allows for more channels in the future, but this depends on the providers.

You can:
• Ask for help from the call center
• From a relative
• From a technician

No, not for this particular transition.

Yes. It is already being used in many EU countries.

• From the remote control, press the MENU button
• Go to settings
• Press search (Tuning)
• Select Automatic search
• When the process is finished, press Save

• From the remote control, press the MENU button
• Go to settings
• In the search section, select Manual
• For Bouquet 1: configure channel 35
• For Bouquet 2: configure channel 48

For the Famagusta free area:
• For Bouquet 1: configure channel 23
• For Bouquet 2: configure channel 26

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