There is no specific date. But in our country there have been tests for some time to start broadcasting DTT channels in 4K format. In this post we will try to shed a little light on this issue. We know that the standard for broadcasting the signal uses DVB-T2 (ie DTT2) as well as the H.265 (HEVC) codec to provide all television channels in HD. This means soon Will we have 4K DTT channels in Spain?
Many digital terrestrial television channels now broadcast in Full HD or at least offer this option. There are also others. Still stuck at the SD quality level, new standards will arrive to create orders and set minimum requirements. And in many cases This represents an opportunity to make the long-awaited leap to 4K quality.
To understand the importance of this change It is important to know first what are the main differences between 4K and other resolutions such as HD or Full HD.
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Difference between SD, HD, Full HD and 4K
Those who have had the opportunity to appreciate the changes that come with switching from a regular television to Full HD can already imagine what the television viewing experience will mean. A leap in quality Like that. We watch the same series or movie. But the experience is completely different. It’s definitely much better: sharper images, brighter colors, more light…
in DTT from Spain Currently we find two types of image quality or resolution: SD (standard definition) and HD (high definition). namely: Standard resolution and high definitionThe first has a quality of 480p, suitable for viewing with a size of 858×480 pixels. The second quality is 720p, which corresponds to a size of 1280×720 pixels. In addition, there are channels that provide Full HD and even UHD resolution (optional or for paid content). money)ultra high resolution)Better known as 4K, here is a summary of each format’s features:
- SD: 480p (858×480 pixels)
- HD: 720p (1280×720 pixels)
- Full HD: 1080p (1920×41080 pixels)
- UHD (4K): 2160p (3860×2160 pixels)
Just looking at the resolution values of each type, you can imagine what the differences are. If the HD over SD improvement represents a jump from 480p to 720p, it already has a huge impact on the viewer’s experience. The open channels between HD and UHD (4K) are tripled: from 720p to 2160p. Truly gorgeous.
New 4K DTT in Spain
If in 2024, as everything indicates, DTT will begin to become DVB-T2, only Full HD and 4K channels will be available to watch. This is not the intention. But it is truly a necessity. And the new video quality and resolution have some downsides. (It takes up too much space), which is why a more powerful device is required.
Technology is advancing rapidly and showing us the way forward. 4K DTT testing in Spain They have already begun to take action. This means that soon this standard will become a reality.
It is true that There is no deadline or deadline yet. to the television station to bring them on board But everyone is already working with this situation in their minds. Renew or die But what will this change mean?
There are advantages, but there are also some disadvantages.
The advantages are unquestionable. As we have seen in some cases In practice, it would be like that. It matches the quality of the content to that offered by the major streaming platforms today.Like Netflix or Amazon Prime Video, on the other hand, the giant leap forward means that users will need televisions primed to support the new format. In addition to hardware that is compatible with this type of resolution.
Another thing you need to know is When 4K DTT is established in Spain The number of available channels will be greatly reduced.The explanation is as follows: Each new UHD channel will use the same bandwidth that is currently occupied by the four HD channels on our televisions. It is about this question that the ongoing experiment revolves.
For users, this may mean having to spend money on essential equipment at home. This is what we will need.
- A television that can produce a signal with 4K resolution (3840×2160 pixels) You will need to look at the characteristics of your home TV, and if they do not meet the minimum requirements, then it is better to buy a new device.
- g DVB-T2 decoderwhich in some cases are included in the same device If not, then it will have to be purchased outside.
We also had to consider the possibility that our television would need to be recalibrated (SmartTV does this alone automatically), and if we were in a local community, an antenna would be a must. Install the module according to the frequency. by the channels broadcast in each province