Residents are being urged to retune their televisions and check whether their equipment is compatible with Cyprus' new digital television platform, as the transition period enters its final months.
Broadcasting on both the old and new networks will continue until 10 October 2026, after which television channels will be available exclusively through the new platform.
According to Petros Theocharides, spokesman for Hellas Sat, most viewers have already successfully migrated to the new system, while the remaining problems are now concentrated in several specific categories.
Thousands no longer connected to an aerial
The most common issue affects viewers whose televisions fail to detect any channels during a scan.
Theocharides said this frequently involves households that previously used Cablenet's cable television service.
When the service was installed, the television's connection to the building's terrestrial aerial was often disconnected because the signal was delivered through a cable network instead.
Following the termination of the cable television service on 1 July, those televisions stopped receiving a signal.
The problem, he said, is not related to the new digital platform but to the fact that there is no longer an active connection between the television and the building's aerial system.
Affected households, including apartment blocks with shared installations, are advised to check that their aerial cable is properly connected and seek assistance from a technician if necessary.
Which televisions need a decoder
The second category concerns older television sets that do not include a built-in receiver compatible with DVB-T2, the technology used by the new digital television platform.
Viewers should first perform an automatic channel search or retune their television.
If the television cannot detect the new channels in high-definition (HD) format, it may not support DVB-T2.
In such cases, purchasing a new television is not necessary. Instead, consumers can use an external DVB-T2-compatible decoder, provided it carries a CE certification mark.
Antenna and wiring problems
The third category relates to the condition of household installations.
Although reception of the new signal has been made easier through technical adjustments to the network, aerials and cabling must still be in good condition and correctly connected.
Faulty or ageing equipment can prevent viewers from receiving the signal even when the television itself is compatible with the new platform.
Fewer support calls
Theocharides said Hellas Sat's call centre initially received a large volume of enquiries, but the number of calls has now fallen significantly.
A dedicated technical team continues to monitor and categorise reports received from the public in order to identify any recurring issues.
With demand for support now lower, viewers who still require assistance can expect faster service.
The company is encouraging people not to wait until the end of the transition period before checking their setup.
Households are advised to:
- Check the connection to their aerial.
- Carry out a new channel scan or retune.
- Confirm their television supports DVB-T2 technology.
If problems persist, viewers can contact the Hellas Sat support centre on 22000737 for guidance and technical assistance.
