On February 14, many viewers will say goodbye to traditional SD broadcasts as the industry begins a wide shift toward higher quality television. While the move frees up bandwidth for innovations like 5G and 4K, it also means households may need to upgrade to receive HD content. The transition can feel like a hassle, yet the change is driven by the goal of delivering sharper pictures and more efficient use of spectrum.
Along with the transition comes a practical burden: naming the new devices, choosing models, and sorting through cables and settings. Although the process can seem daunting, it is often simpler than expected after a short introduction to the basics.
What decoder does the TV need?
Upgrading from SD to HD can be achieved with a new decoder. The price of a suitable device typically falls around 100 to 150 euros on many online platforms. The essential requirement is that the tuner complies with the DVB-T standard, which stands for Digital Video Broadcast Terrestrial, and supports high compression video formats such as H.264. Any device meeting these specifications will work, though better options exist.
For future-proofing, many households consider the DVB-T2 standard. This newer version can handle H.264 and H.265 video, enabling broadcasts in 4K as they become available. A notable example is the rollout referenced for early 2025, when new channels are announced to switch to or expand 4K capability. This is part of a broader effort to deliver richer content with more efficient transmission.
Before purchasing, it helps to verify whether the television already supports HD channels. Some brands and models have carried both SD and HD versions for a while, so users may simply need to rescan channels to access new applications and services from various broadcasters. This simple step can unlock the full potential of the upgraded signal without extra hardware beyond the decoder. It is common for major broadcasters to update channel lineups as new standards take hold, so a quick channel scan often suffices to complete the transition.