Information about channel number change

Next year, Finland will transition fully to the HD era as free-to-air TV broadcasts will be transmitted exclusively in high-definition, or HD quality, after a staggered transition period. Standard definition, or SD broadcasts, will end completely by the end of next year.

Standard definition broadcasts will end first on Yle on 31 March 2025 and on other Finnish TV channels on 30 June 2025. The change applies to households with both antenna and cable TV reception. There are some households in Finland that do not yet have a TV capable of viewing HD broadcasts.

Channels to be re-tuned – channel numbers on the terrestrial TV network to change in November

The first change affecting viewers in the terrestrial TV network will take place on 19 November 2024 as channel numbers are updated. After the update, the high-definition or HD versions of free-to-view TV channels will be listed first in the list of channels under numbers 1 to 20. Standard definition channels will be moved to channel numbers 21 to 39. All TV channels will still remain available.

In the cable network, the channel numbers were changed as early as in August 2021.

The changes in the terrestrial network will take place on Tuesday, 19 November 2015 between 10.00 a.m. and 3.00 p.m. Digital will announce possible disruptions caused by the update later. In terrestrial TV households, there is no need for preparations ahead of the update.

After the update, a channel search must be performed on the TV receiver.

Questions about the channel number update on 19 November

When will the change take place?
The channel number update will begin on Tuesday, 19 November at 10.00 The update may take until about 15.00. Digita will announce separately once the update is completed.

Who is affected by the channel number update?
The update affects all terrestrial TV households in Finland.

Why are you changing the numbers of free-to-view TV channels?
As part of the transition to HD, the industry has decided to switch to HD broadcasts in the terrestrial TV network. In the channel number update, HD channels are moved to the start of the channel list. After the period of parallel broadcasts ends, SD channels will be discontinued and HD channels remain at the start of the channel list.

Will standard SD channels still be available to view?
SD channels will not be removed in the update on November 19. Channel numbers will be changed so that high-definition (HD) channels change places with standard-definition (SD) channels. After the update, HD channels will be listed at the start of the list as numbers 1 to 20, while SD channels are moved to numbers 21 to 39.

Can I test whether I am able to view HD channels before the update on 19 November?
Yes. If you can see Yle TV1 HD in channel position21, MTV3 HD in channel position 23 or Nelonen HD in channel position 24, for example, your TV is capable of receiving HD broadcasts.

How can I prepare for the change?
In terrestrial TV households, there is no need to prepare for the update in advance. The only thing consumers need to do is perform a channel scan after the update on 19 November 2024.

How can I make sure I am able to view HD channels?
To view both high-definition (HD) and standard (SD) channels, the household needs a receiver that complies with the T2 standard.

How can I know if my device is T2 compliant?
If your TV or set-top box is listed as Antenna Ready HD, this means that the TV supports HD broadcasts. Receivers that are Antenna Ready HD comply with the T2 standard.

What do I need to do to view all channels after the update? 

A: Channels should be rescanned once the update is complete. Most receivers will automatically scan for channels, but for some TVs or set-top box models, a rescan or factory reset may be required. For instructions on how to perform a channel scan, see Digita’s website www.digita.fi/en/antenna-tv/tv-channel-search/ or consult the device’s user manual.

1. Perform a channel rescan

A channel scan is easy to do, but the scan is performed in different ways depending on your device. Most remote controls have a MENU button, under which you will find a menu listing either SETTINGS, INSTALLATION or SCAN.

If the channel scan is not working or brings no results:

2. Reset your device to factory settings

Perform the factory reset according to the device manufacturer’s instructions or user manual. In most cases, the device will automatically start scanning for channels after factory reset. Depending on the device’s software, a separate channel scan may required after this (see previous step)

3. Contact Digita’s consumer support Digita Info if you are unable to view the channels.

Is it possible that I may need to buy a new TV or set-top box?
Yes. Many households do not currently have an HD ready receiver. If the device is an older model, it is possible that a new receives must be purchased. In this case, it is a good idea to check with the seller that the new receiver is T2 compliant.

Where can I get assistance if I can’t do everything myself or I experience issues with TV channels during or after the update on 19 November?
You can contact Digita’s consumer support service Digita Info.

Digital Info
Mon-Fri 8.00-20.00
tel. +358 20 411 7676
info@digita.fi

Digita Info has extended opening hours during two weeks after the change. Digita Info is then open also during the weekends Sat-Sun 10.00-15.00.

Call charges to Digita Info: €0.0821 per call plus €0.059 per minute from landlines, and €0.0821 per call plus €0.169 per minute from mobile phones.