1. What is DTT and what are its benefits?
Digital terrestrial television or DTT is replacing traditional television. Instead of being transmitted in traditional (analogue) form, television in Portugal is now being transmitted using digital signals, with reception still provided by exterior aerials, and, in areas with better reception, indoor aerials. In most cases, the same aerials can still be used as before. In some cases, aerials may need to be repointed.
With DTT:
- you can still watch the four Portuguese national channels (RTP 1, RTP 2, SIC and TVI; RTP Madeira and RTP Açores, in Madeira and the Azores, respectively), but with better sound and image quality.
- you have access to an electronic programming guide with information about what's on;
- you can record programmes and pause broadcasts using a Digital Video Recorder (DVR).
In the future these channels will only be broadcast in high definition format (HD), so it is advisable to acquire equipment now that is compatible with this format.
For further information, consult the DTT Websitehttp://tdt.telecom.pt/.
2. Why do I have to switch to DTT?
Because of its benefits and because it provides expanded and improved television service, the decision to switch to DTT is one that has been made in many countries all over the world. The switch to DTT is a natural process brought on by technological developments.
In Portugal, and in most Member States of the European Union, the switch will be completed by 2012, when traditional television transmissions (analogue) will be discontinued. When the transition is concluded in your area, you will need to have the proper equipment to receive DTT, otherwise you will not be able to watch television.
For further information, consult the DTT Websitehttp://tdt.telecom.pt/.
3. What do I need to do to switch to DTT?
DTT is already available throughout Portugal. In most areas, PT Comunicações offers this service using terrestrial reception - "DTT zones", but in some areas coverage is provided using other means, including satellite (DTH DTT) - "DTH zones". This is because, in technical terms, it is virtually impossible and economically unfeasible to cover 100 percent of the population using terrestrial transmissions (given use of a single frequency network).
Therefore, to switch to DTT, the first step is to find out what type of coverage there is where you live, i.e. you need to find out whether you live in a DTT zone or DTH zone.
For further information, consult the DTT Websitehttp://tdt.telecom.pt/.
4. How can I find out if I live in a DTT zone (terrestrial reception) or in a DTH zone (satellite reception)?
Call 800 200 838 (freephone) or visit the DTT website provided by PT Comunicações. Then you can check the type of coverage you have by entering your address and your postcode.
Check the type of DTT access available where you live, before you purchase any equipment.
For further information, consult the DTT Websitehttp://tdt.telecom.pt/.
5. I live in a DTT zone (terrestrial reception), what do I need to do to receive DTT?
If you do not subscribe to paid TV services, or if you live in one of the Autonomous Regions and get only RTP1 and the regional channel, fist of all, find out whether terrestrial DTT reception is available where you live.
If you do have terrestrial DTT reception, you need a television set that is able to receive digital signals. Some television sets are already designed for this purpose, but others must be connected to a set-top box.
If your television set is capable of receiving DVB-T and decoding MPEG-4/H.264 video signals, then you are ready to receive DTT.
If your television set is not compatible, check if your TV has a SCART or HDMI socket . If it does, you will need to acquire a DTT set-top box and connect it to the television set and also to your aerial.
If your television set is very old and does not have any of these inputs/sockets, you can acquire a set-top box with integrated modulation or an RF modulator.
Alternatively, you could acquire a new television set with DVB-T and MPEG4/H.264.
DTT reception equipment is available in most electrical stores. However, you should always confirm, if necessary with the help of a technician, if the equipment's characteristics enable DTT reception in Portugal.
Under a protocol agreed with ANACOM, DECO is conducting an ongoing series of tests to compare different set-top boxes for DTT. See the results of these testshttp://www.deco.proteste.pt/dvd-tv-som/televisores-e-tdt-s619951.htm.
In summary, you do not need to acquire any equipment if:
- you have an integrated digital television set capable of DVB-T reception and of MPEG-4/H.264 video decoding (check your set's documentation);
- you subscribe to a paid television service;
- you live in one of the Autonomous Regions, and already receive the four national free-to-air channels and respective regional channel region by other means, such as cable or satellite.
For further information, consult the DTT Websitehttp://tdt.telecom.pt/.
6. I live in a DTH zone (satellite reception), what do I need to do to get DTT?
First of all, confirm that you live in an area with satellite reception - call 800 200 838 (freephone) or check on the DTT Website.
In some areas of the country, coverage is provided by satellite. This is because, in technical terms, it is virtually impossible and economically unfeasible to cover 100 percent of the population using terrestrial transmissions (given use of a single frequency network). As a result, provision was made that a percentage of the population would be given access to the service using satellite (DTH), as long as the conditions provided were comparable to the terrestrial access provided to populations living in "DTT zones".
If you are in an area with satellite coverage, you will need to acquire a DTH kit in order to be able to continue receiving television, available from points of sale appointed by PT Comunicações in municipalities with satellite coveragehttp://tdt.telecom.pt/como/Default.aspx?code=XzX6F8. The DTH kit includes a DTH set-top box, a remote control, connection cables and a smartcard.
In certain situations, you can request your equipment by writing to the following address:
TDT
Apartado 1501
EC Devesas (Vila Nova de Gaia)
4401-901 Vila Nova de Gaia
You may also indicate that you want an agent or partner of PT Comunicaçõeshttp://tdt.telecom.pt/como/Default.aspx?code=XzX6F6#searchInstaladores to install the DTH (including satellite dish, cabling and installation of the aerial). Installation should be provided, in most cases, within one month of the date of request.
The DTH set-top box is connected in the same way as DTT set-top boxes: connect the cable from the satellite dish to the set-top box and then connect the set-top box to your television set using a SCART or HDMI cable. The channels are tuned automatically and you can then start using the remote control that comes with the set-top box.
For further information, consult the DTT Websitehttp://tdt.telecom.pt/.
7. What are the characteristics or technical specifications of the equipment I will need to receive DTT?
DTT transmissions in Portugal use DVB-T technology and MPEG-4/H.264 video compression.
Therefore, to receive DTT broadcasts, the technical specifications of your equipment must meet at least two conditions:
- it must be compatible with the DVB-T standard;
- it must be capable of MPEG-4/H.264 video decoding.
If your product does not meet these two conditions, you will need to do the following:
- if you want to use your current television set, and your current television set has a SCART or HDMI socket, you will need to acquire an external set-top box, usually a set-top box, connected between the aerial socket and the television set; the set-top box and your television must, together, satisfy the two conditions above;
- if you want to buy a new television set and do not want to have to install an external set-top box, you need to acquire an integrated digital television set which is capable of DVB-T reception and MPEG-4/H.264 video decoding;
- if you subscribe to a paid television service or receive television other than through an external terrestrial aerial, this means you may not necessarily have to switch to DTT.
Before purchasing any equipment make sure that you have direct access to DTT in your home. If DTT is not available, or provision is limited, you may need different equipment to receive DTT (for example, a satellite dish and a set-top box for satellite reception). For further information, check with PT Comunicações, through the DTT Website or by calling 800 200 838 (freephone).
For further information, consult the DTT Websitehttp://tdt.telecom.pt/.
8. How much does it cost to use DTT?
As long as you have the proper equipment, with DTT, it will not cost you anything to watch the free-to-air channels (RTP 1, RTP 2, SIC and TVI, RTP Madeira and RTP Açores, in Madeira and the Azores, respectively). In most cases, a simple set-top box is enough to be able to access DTT, and most television aerials and television sets will not need changing.
You will not have to purchase any equipment, if your television is compatible with the MPEG 4/H.264 standard and if you live in an area with DTT reception.
For further information, consult the DTT Websitehttp://tdt.telecom.pt/.
9. Do I need a set-top box to watch DTT?
If you have a simple television set (analogue) or an integrated digital television that can only decode video in MPEG2 format, then you will need an external set-top box.
When choosing a set-top box, make sure it meets the following characteristics:
- it is compatible with DVB-T;
- it is compatible with the MPEG4/H.264 standard;
- it is able to decode HD (high definition), if you want to watch HD television in the future.
In areas covered by alternative means to DTT (e.g., satellite - areas of DTH reception), check with PT Comunicações, by calling 800 200 838 (freephone) or checking the DTT Website, since the equipment needed is different from the equipment indicated above, used for terrestrial DTT reception.
There are 3 types of set-top boxes:
- Basic set-top box (Zapper Box) - only gives access to the DTT service, without any additional features. These boxes can be of two types:
- SD Zapper Box - only provides access in standard definition and not in high definition, even if your television set is HD capable;
- HD Zapper Box - Provides access to standard definition and high definition services. However, to watch high-definition, you also need an HDMI interface to connect to your television set and, of course, an HD television set.
- Interactive Decoder - provides the basic functions of a set-top box and also provides access to interactive applications.
- PVR Decoder (Personal Video Recorder) - set-top box that can be used to record programmes; can be of two types:
- using an integrated hard disc;
- or through a connection to an interface with external storage.
For further information, consult the DTT Websitehttp://tdt.telecom.pt/.
10. How do I connect the set-top box?
The set-top box is connected between the aerial socket and your television set. Disconnect you current aerial cable from your television set and connect it to the set-top box. Finally, connect the set-top box to your television set.
In the most common set up, the set-top box and your television set should both have SCART sockets (see figure 1), so that you can connect them using a SCART-SCART cable which is suitable for both devices.
Figure 1
If your television set and set-top box both have HDMI sockets (see Figure 2), you should use this connection, for better sound and picture.
Figure 2
Figure 3
If your television set does not have any of these sockets, you can:
- acquire a set-top box with integrated modulation or you can acquire an RF signal modulator and a DTT set-top box;
- purchase a new television set with DVB-T and MPEG4/H.264 or one with a SCART or HDMI socket.
DTH set-top boxes are connected in the same way as DTT set-top boxes: connect the cable from the satellite dish satellite to the set-top box and then connect the set-top box to your television set using a SCART or HDMI cable.
Figure 4
For further information, consult the DTT Websitehttp://tdt.telecom.pt/.
11. How do I tune DTT?
Tuning DTT depends on the model and brand of your set-top box or integrated television, but all models will come with an instruction manual describing the procedure. In general, the equipment will automatically search for channels, with tuning done using the set-top box remote control, which can also be used to change channels.
In mainland Portugal, you will need to tune your television set to UHF channel 56 (750-758 MHz).
In the Autonomous Region of Madeira, you will need to tune your television set to channel 54 (734-742 MHz).
In the Autonomous Region of the Azores, you need to tune as follows:
- Ilha de S. Jorge - channel 47.
- Ilhas de S. Miguel e Graciosa - channel 48 (686-694 MHz).
- Ilha do Faial - channel 49 (694-702 MHz).
- Ilhas Terceira, S. Maria, Flores and Corvo - channel 54 (742-750 MHz).
- Ilha do Pico - channel 56.
For further information, consult the DTT Websitehttp://tdt.telecom.pt/.
12. Can I have DTT on more than one television set at home?
In order to watch different TV channels on different television sets, generally, you will need a separate set-top box for each television. If the television sets are not integrated, you will need to acquire external set-top boxes for each one.
You can also choose to distribute the signal to multiple television sets from a single point. However, with this solution, we suggest you contact a technician, otherwise you might not be able to watch different TV channels simultaneously on different television sets.
For further information, consult the DTT Websitehttp://tdt.telecom.pt/.
13. Can I still use my DVD or video player/recorder with DTT?
You can still use your old DVD or video player/recorder with DTT. Usually, DTT set-top boxes have additional outputs which can be connected to a recorder or player. Some have a hard drive which means you can record, stop and restart broadcasts.
For further information, consult the DTT Websitehttp://tdt.telecom.pt/.
14. When will I need to be ready to receive DTT?
DTT has been available to the entire population since the end of 2010. In some areas, both types of transmissions (new digital and old analogue) are available (simulcast). Some users may therefore still be able to receive television using their current equipment, but will also be able to receive digital broadcasts once you have the proper equipment.
In practice, you can still watch television, without making any changes, until your local transmitter/relay is switched off.
However, it is strongly recommended that you install the equipment you need and make sure that your television sets are ready to receive DTT in advance. In this way, you can be sure that you will not have any last minute problems and you will be able to start benefiting from the qualities of DTT sooner.
The definitive transition to DTT in Portugal is being conducted in the following phases:
- 1st phase - from 12 January 2012, transmitters and relays that provide coverage of coastal areas of the mainland territory. Specifically, the transmitters at Palmela on 12 January; Fóia Monchique on 23 January; Lisbon-Monsanto on 1 February;
Reguengo do Fetal on 13 February; and São Macário on 23 February. For further information, including details of the relays involved, see DTT - ANACOM adjusts timetable for the 1st stage of the switch-off planhttp://www.anacom.pt/render.jsp?contentId=1113218;
- 2nd phase - 22 March 2012, transmitters and relays that provide coverage in the Azores and Madeira;
- 3rd Stage - 26 April 2012, all remaining transmitters and relayshttp://www.anacom.pt/render.jsp?categoryId=337135.
Switch-off plan for Portugal - 2012
(Click to enlarge image)
Therefore, if you do not subscribe to a paid TV services, or if you live in one of the Autonomous Regions and receive only RTP1 and the regional channel, to continue receiving television broadcasts past the date on which the traditional (analogue) transmissions from your local transmitter or relay are switched off, you must have the proper equipment to receive digital signals.
For further information, consult the DTT Websitehttp://tdt.telecom.pt/.
15. If I subscribe to a paid television service, can I access DTT?
If you subscribe to a paid television services, you will not need to access DTT, since you will continue to have access to the national channels (RTP1, RTP 2, SIC and TVI, and to RTP Açores and RTP Madeira in the respective Autonomous Region) as you have now.
However, you should check that all your televisions sets are connected to the subscription television service. Otherwise, you should get them ready for DTT. The same applies if you want to stop subscribing to paid television services.
For further information, consult the DTT Websitehttp://tdt.telecom.pt/.
16. Do I need to change or repoint my aerial to receive DTT?
Most aerials will not need to be repointed. Many DTT transmitters are located in the same sites as the old analogue transmitters or very nearby. In these cases you will not need to repoint your aerial. Otherwise, it will be necessary to repoint you aerial, and in a small number of cases, aerials may have to be replaced.
If you already have an aerial for the entire UHF band and connecting cables to your television sets, this will generally be suitable for accessing the DTT signal in terms of aerial equipment. If you do not have an aerial for the current analogue service, you will need to install a UHF aerial and cables in your home.
For information on aerials that are suitable for DTT reception in Portugal, see Aerials suited to receive DTT in Portugalhttp://www.anacom.pt/render.jsp?contentId=1033158.
Before you acquire any equipment, make sure that you have direct access to DTT in your home. If DTT is not available, or if its availability is limited, you may need different equipment to receive DTT (for example, a satellite dish and a set-top box for satellite reception). Check with PT Comunicações, through the DTT Website or by calling 800 200 838 (freephone).
For further information, consult the DTT Websitehttp://tdt.telecom.pt/.
17. What do I need to watch DTT in high definition (HD)?
It is not essential to have DTT reception equipment that supports high definition, but it is recommended.
According to the DTT model adopted in Portugal, free-to-air channels will be broadcast in standard definition (SD) with shared transmission of these channels in high definition (HD). However, this latter option is not yet available. The current transmission capacity of the DTT service is not yet sufficient for all programmes to be broadcast in high definition simultaneously. Much greater transmission capacity is needed to transmit a programme in high definition than to transmit the same programme in standard definition.
On the other hand, technological developments indicate that, in the future, transmission will be high definition only.
To access DTT in high definition, you will need to have an integrated digital television set or an external set-top box capable of high definition decoding.
You will also need to have a television set which is high definition ready, i.e. with a minimum vertical resolution of 720 lines (720p). These televisions are identified with the label "HD Ready" or "Full HD", the latter corresponding to a vertical resolution of 1080 lines.
If you have or you plan to acquire reception equipment that only supports standard (SD) definition transmissions, you could be left unable to access DTT services if transmissions become exclusively HD.
For further information, consult the DTT Websitehttp://tdt.telecom.pt/.
18. It is essential to have DTT reception equipment which supports high definition (HD)?
It is not currently essential, but highly advisable.
According to the DTT model adopted in Portugal, free-to-air channels will be broadcast in standard definition (SD) with shared transmission of these channels in high definition (HD). However, this latter option is not yet available. On the other hand, technological developments indicate that, in the future, transmission will be high definition only.
If you have or you plan to acquire reception equipment that only supports SD transmissions, you could be left unable to access DTT services if transmissions become exclusively HD.
For further information, consult the DTT Websitehttp://tdt.telecom.pt/.
19. What is the difference between the installation of DTT and the traditional television service?
DTT does not require the use of cable transmission or, in most cases, the use of other aerials. It is transmitted through the air and is received by aerials in the same way as traditional television. Nevertheless, in some areas, aerials may need to be repointed and, in a small number of cases, may need to be replaced, especially aerials that are very old.
Your television set must also be suitable for digital transmission, with a DTT tuner or through a DTT set-top box (when the television set does not have DTT).
In areas covered by alternative means to DTT (via satellite - DTH), obtain information from PT Comunicações about the equipment required, since this will be different to the equipment required for DTT reception.
For further information, consult the DTT Websitehttp://tdt.telecom.pt/.
20. Is there a subsidy available to acquire DTT equipment?
The following groups are eligible to receive subsidies:
1. people with special needs, with a degree of disability equal to or greater than 60 percent;
2. recipients of RSI - rendimento social de inserção (income support);
3. retirees and pensioners with a monthly income not exceeding 500 euros;
The following institutions are eligible to receive subsidies:
1. public hospitals;
2. health centres and their extensions, with or without in-patient facilities;
3. libraries;
4. institutions with research and development activities;
5. instituições de solidariedade social (charities);
6. state schools.
The subsidy is allocated by PT Comunicações, once per dwelling, provided they are not subscribers to paid television services.
In the case of institutions, the subsidy is allocated, once only, although, where institutions have multiple television sets, it may be possible to obtain a separate set-top box subsidy for each of the available television programme services (RTP1, RTP 2, SIC and TVI, as well as RTP Açores and RTP Madeira in the Autonomous Regions); these situations will be analysed on a case-by-case basis.
Applications for the subsidy may be submitted up to 26 April 2013.
For further information, consult the DTT Websitehttp://tdt.telecom.pt/.
21. How much is the subsidy available to acquire DTT equipment and how can I obtain the subsidy?
The value of the subsidy is 50 percent of the value of purchasing a DTT set-top box, up to a maximum of 22 euros.
Set-top boxes to receive DTT can be purchased from retailers selling electronics.
After purchasing the set-top-box, the person applying for the subsidy should:
- complete the subsidy application formhttp://tdt.telecom.pt/custos/Comparticipacao.aspx, available on the DTT Website and from outlets of PT Comunicações;
- attach a legible copy of the following documents: Identity card, citizen card or passport, cartão de contribuinte (tax identification card), the set-top box purchase invoice and proof of address (for example, electricity, water, gas or telephone bill or bill from other electronic communications services), proof of applicant's NIB (bank identification number), if applicable; certidão multiuso (multipurpose certificate) or current membership card from your Associação de Deficientes (Association of People with Disabilities) or income support receipt or documentary proof of the value of your pension issued by an official authority; and
- send all required documentation to the address below no later than 60 days following the date of the set-top box purchase invoice:
TDT
Apartado 1501
EC Devesas (Vila Nova de Gaia)
4401-901 Vila Nova de Gaia
To apply for equipment subsidies, institutions should contact PT Comunicações to check their situation on a case-by-case basis.
Eligible users may apply for the subsidy until 26 April 2013. Applications will only be considered when sent within 60 days of the date of the set-top box purchase invoice.
Find out more about the DTT equipment subsidy programmehttp://tdt.telecom.pt/custos/Default.aspx?code=XzX651.
This subsidy for the acquisition of DTT equipment can be combined with the subsidy available for installation/adaptation work required for DTT reception. Find out about the conditions under: What are the conditions governing availability of the DTT installation subsidy?
For further information, see the DTT Websitehttp://tdt.telecom.pt/.
22. Is there a subsidy available to adapt installations to enable digital reception via terrestrial (DTT) or via satellite (DTH)?
There is a subsidy available for the installation of equipment necessary to receive the digital signal, terrestrial (DTT) or satellite (DTH); this subsidy is allocated by PT Comunicações.
The value of the subsidy is 61 euros and can be requested by anyone also eligible for the programme of subsidies available for the acquisition of digital signal reception equipment (recipients of Rendimento Social de Inserção (income support), retirees and pensioners whose monthly income does not exceed 500 euros and users with a degree of disability equal to or greater than 60%) and people who are at least 65 years of age and are in a situations of social isolation, whether for structural reasons or due to short-term circumstances.
A subsidy is available to users who meet the conditions listed above and who are referenced by Social Security, who do not have pay-TV and are in need of technical assistance in the installation of equipment to receive the digital signal. To obtain the subsidy, a specific application form must be submitted (which will be available in due course).
Applications for the installation subsidy may be submitted up to 26 April 2013 and can be combined with the subsidy available for the acquisition of DTT reception equipmenthttp://tdt.telecom.pt/custos/Default.aspx?code=XzX651.
For further information, see the DTT Websitehttp://tdt.telecom.pt/.
23. What are the conditions governing the availability of a subsidy for the DTH Kit?
Users who do not live within an area with DTT coverage (terrestrial coverage area) are eligible to receive a reimbursement from PT Comunicações on the cost of acquiring up to two set-top boxes per home, provided they have no subscription television service (pay TV), or in the case of the Autonomous Regions, provided they only receive RTP1 and the respective regional channel (RTP Açores or RTP Madeira).
To obtain the reimbursement, users should acquire a DTH Kit from PT Comunicações. The DTH Kit includes a DTH set-top box, remote control, connection cables and a smartcard.
It is also possible to request installation of the DTH reception system (including satellite dish, cabling and installation of the antenna) from the agents or partners of PT Comunicaçõeshttp://tdt.telecom.pt/como/Default.aspx?code=XzX6F6#searchInstaladores. Applications for the subsidy may be submitted up to 26 April 2013.
To check if you live in an area with digital reception only available through satellite, check the DTT Website or call freephone 800 200 838.
For further information, see the DTT Websitehttp://tdt.telecom.pt/.
24. How can I request reimbursement for the purchase of a DTH Kit?
Users can obtain reimbursement on the purchase of the first and second DTH Kits in one of two ways:
1. acquire the equipment for its full value (77 euros) and receive a refund for the reimbursement amount (47 euros) after sending the request formhttp://tdt.telecom.pt/recursos/apresentacoes/Form%20Comparticipac%CC%A7a%CC%83o%20TDT%20Complementar%20DTH.pdf and supporting documents requested by PT Comunicações to the PO Box address of the DTT Service. The following documents are required:
- attach a legible copy of the following documents: National Identity Card (BI), citizen card or passport, cartão de contribuinte (tax identification card), or documentation demonstrating the applicant's status (in case of non-residential addresses); proof of address (for example: electricity, water, gas or telephone bill or bill from other electronic communications services), DTH Kit purchase invoice and proof of applicant's NIB (bank identification number), where applicable;
2. order the DTH Kit and, provided that all requirements for reimbursement are met, collect the equipment from the store, paying only 30 euros per kit (up to two per home). Equipment will be available for collection within 5 working days (for 95 percent of requests), following confirmation from PT Comunicações.
PO Box address of the DTT Service:
TDT
Apartado 1501
EC Devesas (Vila Nova de Gaia)
4401-901 Vila Nova de Gaia
This reimbursement can be combined with the subsidy available for the acquisition of set-top boxes provided to users with special needs and on low incomes.
For further information, consult the DTT Websitehttp://tdt.telecom.pt/.
25. How much do DTH Kits cost?
The value of the DTH Kit after reimbursement is 30 euros (unit value for the first and second Kits); users can obtain the kit with reimbursement in one of two ways:
- acquire the equipment for its full value (77 euros) and receive a refund for the reimbursement amount, i.e., 47 euros, after sending the request form and supporting documents requested by PT Comunicações; or
- order the DTH Kit and, provided all requirements for reimbursement are met, collect the equipment from the store, paying only €30 per kit (up to two per home). Equipment will be available for collection within 5 working days (for 95 percent of requests), following confirmation from PT Comunicações.
This reimbursement may be combined with:
- the subsidy for the acquisition of equipment;
- the installation subsidy.
Additional DTH Kits (from the third kit, per address or if you have pay TV), cost 96 euros and are not covered by any reimbursement.
Users may acquire DTH kits up to 9 December 2023.
In cases where users want to have the DTH reception system installed (including satellite dish, cabling and installation of the antenna itself), they may ask for it to be installed by PT Comunicações (or by the operator's partners). Installation of a first set-top box costs a maximum of 61 euros (including VAT). The user may, however, agree directly with the installer to install additional set-top boxes.
For this purpose, PT Comunicações has posted a list of recommended installers by areahttp://tdt.telecom.pt/como/Default.aspx?code=XzX6F6#searchInstaladores.
Applicants can only benefit from these special installation conditions for DTH reception systems installed up to 26 April 2013.
For further information see the DTT Portal or call freephone 800 200 838.
These values may be reviewed by ANACOM, particularly in light of changes in equipment prices.
For further information, see the DTT Websitehttp://tdt.telecom.pt/.
26. I live in a building with a collective aerial. What do I need to do to receive DTT?
Before purchasing any equipment make sure you know which type of DTT coverage is available where you live. Call 800 200 838 (freephone) or visit the DTT Website of PT Comunicações and confirm the type of coverage you have at home by entering your address and postcode.
If you already have analogue terrestrial reception and have an aerial for the entire UHF band connected to your televisions, this should generally be suitable, in terms of aerial, for receiving the DTT signal. However, in some places, aerials may have to be repointed.
In most of the country, DTT transmitters and relays are located in the same sites as those currently used for analogue transmissions. Therefore, there will be no need to repoint the aerial in order to receive DTT. However, in other cases, you will need to repoint you aerial. A list of DTT transmitters/relays and their coordinates is available at "information on DTThttp://tdt.telecom.pt/empresas_profissionais/".
If you do not have an aerial to receive the current analogue service, and you do not live an area where DTT coverage allows portable internal reception, you will need to install a UHF antenna and connect it to your home (if necessary by action of the condominium or landlord).
For further information, consult the DTT Websitehttp://tdt.telecom.pt/.
27. If I receive the four free-to-air channels via cable, by agreement between the constructor of my building and an operator, do I have to prepare for DTT?
For as long as the operator is supplying your building with this service, you do not need to switch to DTT. However, if at any time the operator stops providing the current service, you will need to acquire the equipment to receive DTT.
For further information, consult the DTT Websitehttp://tdt.telecom.pt/.
28. What is an RF modulator?
If you have an older television set without a SCART socket to connect to an external set-top box, you can use an RF modulator or an external set-top box with integrated RF modulator, which transforms the signal so that it can be connected directly to your television set using the standard aerial socket, as shown below:
For further information, consult the DTT Websitehttp://tdt.telecom.pt/.
