HD transition to increase the HD offering of terrestrial television homes – you can already prepare for spring 2025

Published: 16.5.2024

HELSINKI 16, May 2024 – Finland is undergoing an HD transition, which means that after a phased transition, TV broadcasts are broadcast only in HD quality. Finland’s national public broadcasting company Yle will be the first to end basic, i.e. SD broadcasts, in the spring of 2025. During the summer that follows, they will also end on other Finnish TV channels. The change will apply to both terrestrial television and cable TV reception. Digita is investing significantly in the HD transition of the terrestrial television network by upgrading the terrestrial television network transmitters to HD-compliant across the country.

“The HD transition increases the number of high definition channels on the terrestrial television network. As the number of smart TV devices increases, so does the number of connected devices. Connected devices enrich viewers’ television experience with hybrid TV add-ons,” says Tom Jungell, SVP, Broadcast, Digita.

“The HD transition is an important step in the development of Finnish television operations. It will also ensure that Finnish people have access to modern media and information society services. Our core mission at Digita is to make sure every Finnish person has access to information every day of the year, 24 hours a day everywhere in Finland, also under exceptional circumstances,” continues Jungell.

In terrestrial television households, consider the following:

  • During the transition, make sure that your receiver is up-to-date, allowing you to receive HD broadcasting. If a terrestrial television household is already watching Yle HD broadcasts, the receiver is HD-eligible. If you live in an apartment building and are not sure if your TV is on a terrestrial television network, contact your building manager.

  • If HD channels are not visible and you have a up to date antenna system, you probably should purchase a new HD TV. Make sure the receiver has a DVB-T2 tuner. Most new TVs sold in Finland have it. You can check model-specific information at testatutlaitteet.fi.

  • If you live in a single-family home and own a modern, functioning UHF antenna and have not had any problems with your TV reception, there’s probably no need to change your antenna. However, it is important to remember that antenna systems, just like any other home systems, require maintenance

    It is also a good idea to check that the TV is up to date at second homes and summer cottages.

The HD transition will be implemented in collaboration with the TV industry and Traficom.

More information here.

Digita/Communications