Technical modifications to Hellas Sat signal to address TV reception issues

Following significant public outcry and reception failures after the transition to the new digital television platform, the Deputy Ministry of Innovation and Hellas Sat announced technical adjustments to the broadcast signal. Scheduled for July 21, these modifications aim to simplify signal reception for households with older equipment by reducing broadcast requirements. Hellas Sat representative Petros Theocharidis stated that the change will be seamless for most viewers, though critics argue it limits future technological upgrades like 4K broadcasting and market competition. During a Parliamentary Transport Committee meeting, Deputy Minister Nikodimos Damianou admitted that the government underestimated the technical challenges of the transition, which led to a surge of 1,700 service calls on July 1 alone. While the government blames outdated residential wiring, others criticize the lack of planning and inadequate initial assessment of the infrastructure. The Deputy Minister is currently evaluating potential subsidies for decoder equipment, although no final decision has been reached. Furthermore, Hellas Sat has assumed the costs for restoring the legacy Velister signal to mitigate ongoing service disruptions.