RTVE will overhaul its digital terrestrial television on November 5, introducing Ultra HD for La 2 and a pioneering accessible radio service for people with hearing disabilities. Viewers must retune their TVs to access the new channels and features.
On November 5, RTVE will begin a major technical upgrade to Spanish television, introducing the DVB-T2 standard. The change will bring sharper images and better sound for La 1 and La 2, while most channels remain in HD for now. DVB-T2 will mainly power new UHD broadcasts. The rollout will happen in phases, giving viewers time to adjust.
Initially, DVB-T2 will be used in the RGE2 multiplex. Half its capacity will go to RTVE, with Atresmedia and Mediaset receiving a quarter each; UHD versions will coexist with HD, Computer Hoy/20minutos reports.
Some viewers have been able to receive La 1 UHD since February 2024. La 2 will now join it in Ultra HD, with sharper pictures and more vivid colors, alongside deeper sound. RTVE says viewers need a TV that supports both DVB-T2 and Ultra HD; otherwise, they will receive only the basic HD channels.
The upgrade also includes RNE Accesible, a first for radio on digital terrestrial TV. Designed for people with hearing disabilities, the service lets viewers follow Radio Nacional de España on TV with subtitles and sign language. They will also be able to see inside the radio studio. RTVE says RNE Accesible is not a separate radio channel but an accessibility service based on the “RNE para todos” project. Its programs include studio video and subtitles, with Spanish sign language.
Households must rescan and retune their TVs to access the new features. RTVE says retuning is not part of a full switch to the new standard; viewers need to do it to find the new UHD and special services. Older TVs without DVB-T2 or UHD will still receive the basic HD channels, but not the new UHD broadcasts.
RTVE says the current phase focuses mainly on its new signals and will not replace the entire TDT system at once. DVB-T2 allows more efficient frequency allocation and lays the technical groundwork for further UHD expansion in Spanish terrestrial television.
The DVB-T2 upgrade currently focuses on RTVE’s basic channels, but the move sets a new bar for other Spanish broadcasters. RTVE is prioritizing accessibility and picture quality, with RNE Accesible extending the service to people who are often left out.
RTVE’s November reset brings Ultra HD and accessible radio, and the broadcaster says the industry must keep up. Retuning may be inconvenient, but viewers will get sharper TV and better sound, with greater accessibility through RNE Accesible.
