All about the DTT shutdown in 2025: what changes and how it affects you

Spain is on the verge of a new technological milestone in its digital terrestrial television system. Starting in 2025, an ambitious plan approved by the Government will come into effect. The goal is to implement Ultra High Definition (UHD or 4K) and the DVB-T2 standard throughout the country.This change, which many have already dubbed the "DTT blackout in 2025", will not imply the disappearance of channels, but It will require homes to have compatible equipment to continue enjoying the broadcasts..

The Council of Ministers has given Green light for the new National Technical Plan for DTT, a set of measures that regulate the future of free-to-air television broadcasts. The most notable aspect is the gradual transition to more advanced technology, which will allow Improve image quality, optimize the use of the radio spectrum and facilitate new interactive features.

What does the new DTT technical plan entail?

With the entry into force of the Technical Plan approved in March 2025, Spain takes an important step toward modernizing its television broadcasts. The DVB-T2 standard will be the cornerstone of this change. This technology will replace the current DVB-T, offering greater transmission efficiency and allowing more content to be delivered to each digital multiplex.

The goal is allow up to four UHD channels per digital multiple thanks to the use of the H.265/HEVC codec. With this new codec and technology, networks will be able to broadcast in 4K quality with lower bandwidth consumption, without having to alter the current frequency spectrum (which remains between 470 and 694 MHz). For those interested in learning more about television consumption and its factors, you can consult this article on the consumption of a television.

In addition, the plan includes the The possibility of offering additional services, such as rich subtitles, more comprehensive electronic programming guides, and accessibility improvements for people with disabilities.The incorporation of the HbbTV (Hybrid Broadcast Broadband TV) system is also contemplated, which combines traditional broadcasting with internet content.

What the transition will be like: two distinct phases

The change will not be sudden: it has been planned in stages, in two well-defined phases. During the first phase, which will extend through 2025, the spectrum reorganization process will begin, activating new UHD broadcasts without eliminating current HD broadcasts. This means that existing channels will broadcast a parallel version in ultra-high definition, allowing users with compatible devices to enjoy higher quality content without losing access.

Among the channels planned to broadcast in UHD are RTVE, Atresmedia, and Mediaset. The public network has been broadcasting La 1 in UHD since 2023, and will be joined by channels such as Telecinco UHD and Antena 3 UHD. In some regions, such as Catalonia, TV3 is also preparing to move to 4K.

During this initial stage, the public tender for a new state-wide channelThis channel will occupy the space freed up by the reorganization of the multiplexes and will broadcast in HD using the current DVB-T codec. The award is expected to be made before the summer of 2025.

Retuning and replacing equipment: what will affect users?

One of the immediate consequences of this reorganization will be the need to retune televisions to correctly receive new channels. Although a fixed date has not been confirmed, it is estimated that This retuning will take place from autumn 2025, coinciding with the start of the new television season. This technical adjustment will be necessary for both televisions and external decoders.

But Not all devices will automatically be able to benefit from UHD broadcasts. will be needed Televisions or receivers compatible with DVB-T2 and the H.265/HEVC codecAccording to updated data, only 31% of current television sets in Spain can decode these signals, meaning many homes may need to upgrade their equipment if they want to access the new picture quality.

In any case, the Government has clarified that a No re-antennaization or complex technical modifications to homesThe signal will continue to be used on the same frequency band, so you'll just need to retune your device or add a compatible decoder if you have an older TV.

Future "blackout" and conditions for its implementation

The second phase of the plan, which many identify as the real "DTT blackout", It is conditioned by the degree of technological adaptation of Spanish households. There will be no global jump to DVB-T2 until at least 95% of the television and receiver fleet is prepared to receive this type of signal and that 90% of them can play in UHD.

This milestone still seems far away, since, according to the Ministry of Digital Transformation, The current penetration of DVB-T2 is barely over 58%.Therefore, this second phase might not arrive for several years, although the plan includes mechanisms so that networks that share a multiplex can voluntarily agree to advance the switch to DVB-T2 and UHD broadcasts ahead of schedule.

Thus, the groups such as Atresmedia and Mediaset, which control multiple complete, could lead the migration to this more advanced technology, as long as they inform the State Secretariat of Telecommunications and comply with the required standards.

The new free-to-air channel: bidding process and candidates

One of the most talked about aspects of the new plan has been the opening of an additional open channel at the state level. The reorganization of the digital multiples leaves a part of the spectrum free, which will allow a new public tender to be calledThis license could represent an important opportunity for new media projects.

Initially, the Prisa Group was the favorite to win this concession, but internal divisions and the departure of several of its executives have weakened its candidacy. Currently, Other companies in the sector such as Telefónica, Mediaset and Atresmedia are also considering participating in the process..

The cost of a DTT license ranges between one and two and a half million euros, and its duration is typically five years, renewable. The Ministry hopes to have it granted in time for the new channel to be operational before September 2025.

This DTT transformation process not only updates transmission technology but also opens up a range of possibilities for creating a more accessible, modern television that meets current audience demands. Although some investment will be required from users, especially those with older televisions, the approach seeks to minimize discomfort and ease the transition.