Update (October 2026): the change described below has already taken place – MUX-3 has been broadcasting in DVB-T2/HEVC since December 2023, and MUX-1, MUX-2 and MUX-4 switched to this standard back in 2022. A TV or set-top box without DVB-T2/HEVC support cannot receive channels from these multiplexes today, so the solutions described below – a DVB-T2/HEVC to DVB-T converter or a modulator with channels delivered over the internet – are still relevant for hotels with older TVs. If you are planning an upgrade, see also: headends and channel delivery.
According to an announcement by Telewizja Polska S.A., in mid-December this year multiplex 3 (MUX-3) of Polish digital terrestrial television will switch its broadcasting standard to DVB-T2/HEVC.
The change covers the whole country in two stages: on the night of 14–15 December for the Zachodniopomorskie, Pomorskie, Lubuskie, Wielkopolskie, Kujawsko-Pomorskie, Łódzkie, Dolnośląskie, Opolskie and Śląskie voivodeships, and on the night of 18–19 December for the Warmińsko-Mazurskie, Podlaskie, Mazowieckie, Lubelskie, Świętokrzyskie, Małopolskie and Podkarpackie voivodeships.
The change brings a number of benefits, such as better picture quality and a wider choice of channels. However, it may cause difficulties for some viewers, especially those using older TVs that do not support the new standard.
The hotel industry is a special case, as the problem may affect many devices.
Possible solutions for hotels whose TVs do not support DVB-T2:
- Replacing the TVs
- For hotels with many rooms, investing in newer TV models or buying set-top boxes that support the new standard will be the most expensive option.
- An option worth considering if the existing sets are very old.
- Buying a DVB-T2/HEVC to DVB-T MPEG-4 converter (remodulator)
- A DVB-T2 to DVB-T converter lets you keep using older TVs, as it converts the new broadcasting standard to the old one that previous-generation sets can receive.
- Ideal for properties with many TVs that will remain in use for several more years.
- Your own channels, such as Hotel Info, can be added.
- Buying a DVB-T MPEG-4 modulator with channels delivered over the internet
- The modulator generates a DVB-T (old standard) signal, taking the source signals over the internet.
- Ideal for properties with fewer TVs or those that don’t want to invest in a converter.
- Your own channels, such as Hotel Info, can be added.
- Access to both terrestrial and satellite channels.
- No antenna installation required.
If you have any questions or would like an offer, please contact us at +48 22 646 53 20 or [email protected].