Finnish television channels will switch to HD in 2025 - Check your television's HD readiness in time
Finnish television distribution will experience a significant change starting in the spring of 2025, when broadcasts of basic SD channels will be widely switched to high definition, i.e. HD broadcasts. This applies to both antenna and cable television networks. You should check the HD readiness of your own television in time, so that the television channels will still be visible even after the transition.
The transition to HD will take place from spring 2025, when the Finnish broadcasting company Yleisradio will stop basic, i.e. SD, broadcasts and switch to HD broadcasts only. Commercial TV companies have not yet published information about the HD transition for their own channels. HD broadcasts offer viewers even more accurate picture quality, brighter and more vibrant colours and multi-channel sound.
"The transition brings better quality television picture and sound to all households, when the antenna television network switches to using only the newer DVB-T2 transmission technology and the transmissions of the older DVB-T technology are stopped,” clarifies Head of Spectrum Management and Media Suvi Juurakko-Lehikoinen. "Newer broadcasting technology utilizes the limited frequencies intended for TV use more efficiently, which enables a wider HD offering than at present,” continues Juurakko-Lehikoinen.
Check your television's HD readiness in time
The transition to HD requires some households to purchase a new receiver equipped with an HD tuner. "Almost everyone already has an HD tuner on their TV or set-top box, but it's good to check this by trying to see if the HD channels are visible on your own receiver. We have put together a comprehensive information package and instructions on our hdtvopas.fi website,” informs Development Manager Tiina Aaltonen.
The Finnish Transport and Communications Agency Traficom coordinates the HD transition communication. Aaltonen emphasizes the importance of cooperation: "We cooperate with the TV industry, network operators, industry associations and, among other things, senior and pensioner organisations, so that the information about the transition reaches the various population groups as widely as possible".
"The HD transition is part of the technological development that also supports media diversity and vitality,” says Traficom’s Director-General Jarkko Saarimäki. "For us at Traficom, it is important that the entire population stays involved in technological development. Our goal is that all homes will be ready to receive HD broadcasts after the transition. In addition to your own television, we encourage you to check the televisions of your loved ones, especially the elderly, so that the television channels will continue to be visible," emphasizes Saarimäki.
The transition to HD will be campaigned nationwide with, among other things, public service announcements on TV this year and next year.
Additional information
Development Manager Tiina Aaltonen, tel. +358 29 539 0526, tiina.aaltonen@traficom.fi
Head of Spectrum Management and Media Suvi Juurakko-Lehikoinen, tel. +358 29 539 0446, suvi.juurakko-lehikoinen@traficom.fi
Additional information about the HD transition can be found at hdtvopas.fi (External link)
THIS IS HOW YOU CHECK IF YOUR TELEVISION IS HD READY
- Check if the HD channels appear in the TV channel list (program guide). In the antenna TV network, HD channels are in the channel list in positions 21-40 and in the cable TV network in positions 1-20. If you can see content on these channels, the transition does not require the purchase of a new receiver.
- If the content of the HD channels is not displayed, it can either be that the housing company's antenna system is not compatible with HD broadcasts, or that your TV or set-top box does not have an HD tuner. In the latter case, you need to get a TV or set-top box with an HD tuner, so that the TV broadcasts can be viewed even after the transition.
- If you live in a housing company and you are not sure about your reception network, contact the property manager or a representative of the housing company's board. They can tell you whether TV broadcasts are received via an antenna TV network or a cable TV network in your housing company. If you live in a single-family house and have a rake receiver on your roof, you probably receive TV broadcasts via an antenna TV network.
- Almost all new televisions and set-top boxes on sale have an HD tuner, which is mostly suitable for both antenna TV and cable TV networks. You should check with the seller, who also has an obligation to tell you about the features of the devices they sell.