New programming licences for high-definition television channels — number of available HD channels grows toward the end of the year

There is an HD transition going on in Finland, which means that TV channels that are free-to-air will only be broadcast in high definition, i.e. HD quality, after a gradual transition period. Standard-definition (SD) broadcasts will end first on Yle channels in the spring of 2025 and after the schedule is confirmed, also on other Finnish TV channels during 2025. The HD transition applies to both antenna and cable TV reception.

"The transition is preceded by a parallel broadcasting period, in which television channels are broadcast in parallel on two different channels on the DVB-T and DVB-T2 network," explains Senior Specialist Eliisa Reenpää. Traficom has granted a long-term programming licence for parallel HD broadcasts in the antenna network for the channels Liv HD, Jim HD, MTV Ava HD, MTV Sub TV, TV5 HD, Kutonen HD, TLC HD, Frii TV, Star Channel HD and National Geographic HD. The channels themselves decide when to start the parallel broadcasts.

In addition, Traficom has granted a programming licence for the channel MTV Sports 3, which is currently broadcast on the antenna network under a short-term programming licence.

The licences now granted are valid until the end of the current licence period, i.e. 10 January 2027.

Gradual transition to HD broadcasts

The HD transition is part of the technological development of television and the new distribution technology has also been introduced elsewhere in Europe. Television broadcasting is technically entering a new era with the introduction of the newer DVB-T2 broadcasting technology which is going to be the only technology used in the antenna television network. "The new transmission technology makes more efficient use of frequencies, thus enabling a more abundant supply of high-definition, or HD, programmes to households. HD broadcasts not only provide viewers with more accurate image quality, but also brighter colours and multi-channel sound,” tells Head of Spectrum Management and Media Suvi Juurakko-Lehikoinen.  

When parallel broadcasts start, it is a good time to make sure that your own TV receiver is up to date so that it can receive HD broadcasts. The HD transition requires some households to purchase a new TV or set-top box with an HD tuner if the old receiver does not support the new distribution technology.

Traficom coordinates HD transition communications and collaborates with the sector and organisations to make information and help available to anyone who needs it.

More information on the HD transition and instructions on how to ensure your TV works can be found at hdtvopas.fi.

Through licence application rounds, Traficom supports the development of the media sector and ensures that TV and radio broadcasts are available on interference-free frequencies in Finland.