How to receive stations in a new way?We bring you all the important information.Today, the Slovak Radio and Television plans to make changes and switch off the distribution of stations in the old video codec in MPEG-2 within DVB-T - terrestrial broadcasting with reception via a conventional antenna.Other stations from this broadcaster's portfolio have also undergone changes.At the same time, on December 20, it will add the RTVS Šport program, which will be available in HD quality.In the form of clear questions and answers, we have prepared an article about this important change.Telerozo announced that it no longer counts on the distribution of the Unit, Two and Three channels in the outdated MPEG-2 video format (codec).It already uses the slightly more economical and modern MPEG-4 codec.What does this mean for me as a spectator?You need to verify that your receiving device, whether set-top box or TV, supports the MPEG-4 codec.Such devices have been on the market for a very long time - the standard has been at least 10 years, although even older devices without MPEG-4 support were sold at that time.Will the stations continue to be free?Yes, viewers will continue to watch the Units, Two, Three and, after all, Free Antenna Sports programs.When will the changes come?Adjustments in terrestrial broadcasting took place as early as December.Why is the transition coming?In addition to making more efficient use of more modern codecs - for possible better technical quality or capacity savings, RTVS needs to make a change for the new channel.This is the sports channel Šport, which will start broadcasting on December 20.The station will be available in HD in DVB-T - it will be in the MPEG-4 codec, but also in the more modern HEVC codec.In October, the broadcaster broadcasted the Sport 2 HD (paid) sports program into the HEVC codec.It doesn't currently plan for other paid channels.Why will the basic (SD) quality channels remain on offer?RTVS must broadcast all stations in the public multiplex, so it leaves SD distribution.Only the main Unit will end up in SD, which will be broadcast in DVB-T only in HD quality.What stations and in what quality will they be spread through the antenna?The public (third) multiplex offers HD Drive, SD Two, SD Triple and Sport HD - all in the MPEG-4 codec.The first multiplex offers Two HD in MPEG-4 and Sports HD in HEVC and DVB-T2.Why is Troika no longer in HD?The broadcaster preferred the distribution of Šport in HD.It would be more efficient if RTVS switched SD distribution and Sport only once in HD.It could thus spread in HD and Troika.She didn't say why she wouldn't do it.What if I don't have a supported device?RTVS has indicated that viewers need a set-top box or MPEG-4-enabled TV after the change.In no case do we recommend purchasing a new device that only supports MPEG-4.Only purchase devices that support the modern HEVC codec.These also support older codecs.Selected vendors may want to get rid of old MPEG-4-enabled devices.When buying, be careful not to buy old equipment.In the future, terrestrial broadcasting will migrate again and it is probably only a matter of time before MPEG-4 is switched off and only HEVC remains.How much does a new set-top box cost?You can buy basic set-top boxes with HEVC support for less than 20 euros.However, HEVC is also supported by almost all newer TVs (approximately 3 to 4 years old).It is expected that other channels will be transferred to HEVC in the future.Where can I find out if my device supports MPEG-4?You can easily verify it.For example, try turning on HD Drive - if it works for you, it supports MPEG-4.However, if only audio and not video will work for you, this is just an older device that supports MPEG-2.Then you need to buy a box or a new TV.Do the changes affect other stations as well?No other DVB-T stations have been announced so far.In the future, however, more stations will probably switch to the MPEG-4 or HEVC codec.What if I need help?For viewers, RTVS plans to set up an infoline and an e-mail address that viewers will be able to contact with questions.When, she didn't specify.How many people have TV via antenna as their main source of income?RTVS claims that only less than eight percent of Slovak households watch television via an antenna as the primary source of TV income.The vast majority of people are expected to already have an MPEG-4 enabled receiver.Not.JOJ for Živé.sk confirmed that the JOJ, JOJ Plus and Wau channels will continue to broadcast in SD quality and in the MPEG-2 codec.He is not planning to switch to MPEG-4 yet.What is the free offer in DVB-T?After the changes, it is possible to receive stations Jednotka HD, Dvojka (SD i HD), Trojka SD, Šport HD, JOJ SD, JOJ Plus SD, Wau SD, TV Lux HD.It is not known until.On our website we bring interesting SHARE podcasts that respond to various technological topics.Subscribe to them!They are available through Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify or Deezer platforms.