Cyprus transitions television broadcasting to DVB-T2 technology

Cyprus has officially transitioned its terrestrial television broadcasting from the old DVB-T standard to the new DVB-T2 technology. This shift involves moving operations from the previous provider, Velister, to the company Hellas Sat. The transition aims to improve signal reliability, enhance picture quality to HD and 4K standards, and allow for a more efficient use of frequency spectrum. Viewers receiving television signals via antenna are required to rescan their devices to tune into the new frequencies, specifically 35 and 48. Those with older television sets that do not support the new standard will need to acquire an external DVB-T2 decoder. The government provided an extension for the transition to ensure a smooth changeover, though authorities urged citizens to act promptly. While officials characterized the move as a long-overdue modernization that other European countries adopted years ago, it marks a significant upgrade for the local television landscape.