Sovetskaya Sibir was looking into whether it’s time to throw out old TVs, whether it will show a blue screen in the outback, whether you’ll have to pay to watch your favorite programs.
Straightaway good news: with the launch of digital broadcasting, Russians will receive a set of 20 TV channels in high quality absolutely free of charge, which until recently was only available in paid packages. According to the head of the department of informatization and development of telecommunication technologies of the Novosibirsk region, Anatoly Dyubanov, in order for “digital” to become publicly available, a federal target program “Development of television and radio broadcasting in the Russian Federation for 2009–2018” was developed. Thanks to it, at the expense of the federal budget, over the previous eight years, a state network of digital terrestrial television and radio broadcasting (DTTV) of the first and second multiplexes was built in our region - this is the name for a package of programs that are broadcast by one transmitter. In fact, there are now two multiplexes in the country, each with ten TV channels. The first includes Channel One, “Russia 1”, “Russia 2”, “Match TV”, NTV, Channel Five, “Russia - Culture”, “Russia 24”, “Carousel”, OTR, TVC; in the second - REN TV, Spas, STS, Domashny, TV-3, Friday, Zvezda, Mir, TNT, Muz-TV.
He noted that at the launch of the network, 98.24 percent of the region’s population will be covered digitally. At the same time, the signal will not be able to be received in 191 settlements. But their total number of inhabitants is considerable - more than 48 thousand people, that is, about 18,849 households.
Due to the fact that at the federal level it was decided not to allocate funding for the construction of new network facilities to cover all settlements, FSUE "RTRS" additionally configured transmitting and receiving antennas at existing facilities and thus reduced the number of settlements not covered by digital broadcasting - Anatoly Dyubanov reported.
The head of the department added that the number of settlements where CETV is completely absent was reduced to 135; in 58 villages, only partial coverage was provided. The problems are mainly related to the terrain, as well as the remoteness of these settlements from communication facilities. After adjustment, 1.46 percent of the region's population remains unreached.
What should this minority do - throw away the TV and return to the radio? No need for extremes. In order to ensure that even in difficult times Russians are not left without their favorite TV shows, it was decided at the federal level to provide them with a satellite signal.
Thanks to joint work at the federal and regional levels, an agreement was reached with operators satellite television"NTV Plus" and "Tricolor TV" about the preferential cost of installing satellite equipment for residents of settlements that are still without a CETV signal, as well as about the free broadcast for them of a package of 20 all-Russian mandatory public television channels, said Anatoly Dyubanov.
While digital television has not yet become ubiquitous, many questions remain. Some of them were answered by the sales director of the MTS branch in the Novosibirsk region, Alexander Vinogradov.
Will the transition to digital be paid or free? After all, many apartments and houses in the Novosibirsk region already have digital television, but only through telecommunications companies. Everyone who is connected to digital TV in this way currently pays a subscription fee. Svetlana Gorbunova, Ob - Federal mandatory public channels on the RTRS network (common antenna) are provided free of charge, subject to the presence of a new TV set that supports the digital standard or a special set-top box. In the networks of other operators, the subscriber pays for access to the network. In cities with channels of the first and second multiplex there should be no problems with access to free digital broadcasting. In remote areas, there may be problems with the availability of digital TV. Those who use pay TV services (cable or satellite - no matter which operator) will not be affected.
Will I need a new TV to switch to digital television? Viktor Vasilievich Krotov, Berdsk
To use digital television, you need to have a more or less modern TV. If you bought your TV before 1998, it probably doesn't have digital tuner. Look at the TV's passport or find information about this model on the Internet. If the inscription DVB-T2 is present, it means it supports it. If there is no number 2, then you are out of luck. You will need to additionally install a special digital set-top box. Majority modern TVs support the DVB-T2 broadcast standard, which broadcasts free multiplexes. Where digital broadcasting is not available (remember, this is less than 1.5 percent. - Ed.), you will need to buy the appropriate equipment from satellite TV operators. Therefore, the government's proposed bill on providing broadcasting by satellite operators is being considered. But the subscriber will need to purchase satellite equipment himself and pay for access to the operator’s network.
Is a digital antenna different from a regular analog antenna and will it be necessary to reconfigure the antenna? Ekaterina V., urban settlement Kochenevo
Most modern TVs already support the DVB-T2 broadcast standard, which broadcasts free multiplexes. Therefore, to receive free digital terrestrial television, you just need to purchase a UHF antenna (collective or individual, outdoor or indoor, depending on your living conditions). The cost of a decimeter antenna starts from 300 rubles, digital set-top box- from 700 rubles. Antenna, attachment and connecting antenna cable can be purchased at stores that sell consumer electronics. You can understand in what format you are watching the program and whether digital signal adjustment is necessary by looking at the special letter A on the TV screen.
Will residents of the region be able to watch local TV channels broadcast in analogue format? Director of the Novosibirsk Regional Television and Radio Broadcasting Network Sergei Eclair said that at the moment OTS-TV has a license for analogue broadcasting and it has not been revoked. Accordingly, it is planned to continue this broadcasting in full.
At yesterday's press conference at TASS-Siberia, Alexander Otsetsky, director of the RTRS branch Siberian Regional Center, reassured:
There are no forced bans on analogue broadcasting from January 1, 2019 and there will not be any. Our regional channels, which broadcast in Novosibirsk and in a number of areas of the region where there are local television stations, will be able to continue to operate in accordance with existing licenses. For God's sake, no one forbids them to broadcast as the regional television and radio network - OTS. All their transmitters will continue to operate. Retuned TVs show the first digital channels - from the New Year there will be twenty of them, and then there are channels that can be received in “analog”, nothing will change for them. Maybe just the channel order. Deputy Minister of Digital Development, Communications and Mass Communications of the Russian Federation Alexey Volin states that there are no difficulties or obstacles.
According to him, a complete transition to digital broadcasting will occur in January 2019. And if it was previously planned that this would be from January 1, now “time X” has been postponed two weeks later - January 14.
The transition is being carried out as part of the implementation of the federal target program “Development of television and radio broadcasting in Russian Federation for 2009-2018”, its executor is the Russian Television and Radio Broadcasting Network.
According to the general director of the Russian Television and Radio Broadcasting Network (RTRS) Andrei Romanchenko, there is no talk yet of a complete abandonment of analogue TV. “We are talking about reducing analogue broadcasting starting in January 2019. The state ceases to subsidize television channels for signal distribution in cities with a population of less than 100 thousand people. This applies to mandatory public channels. All other channels, such as REN TV, TNT, STS, regional channels, are free to work in analogue as long as they want,” he noted. “There is no plan to immediately cancel analogue terrestrial television.”
According to him, with the launch of the digital broadcasting network, Russians receive for free a set of high-quality TV channels comparable to those that were previously offered only in paid packages.
Andrei Romanchenko also said that the construction of the network of the first and second multiplex (package of digital channels) has been completed in almost all regions of Russia. More than 9.5 thousand transmitters out of 10 thousand have already been installed and operating; the network will be fully put into operation after the completion of construction of all facilities at the end of 2018. At the beginning of the program, 44% of the country's residents received no more than four television channels, and about 25% of the population received only one or two television channels.
The first multiplex includes ten all-Russian mandatory public TV channels: Channel One, Rossiya-1, Match TV, NTV, Channel Five, Kultura, Rossiya-24, Karusel, OTR, TV Center. The second has ten more public TV channels: REN TV, Spas, STS, Domashny, TV-3, Friday, Zvezda, Mir, TNT, Muz-TV.
First of all, the federal target program solves an important social problem - it makes 20 federal television channels accessible and free to all residents of Russia in high digital quality. This cannot be done on the basis of analog television due to the high costs of its maintenance and modernization, as well as due to the limited free radio frequency resource. For Russians, digital terrestrial television will mean an improvement in the quality of life and the elimination of information inequality.
IMPORTANT!
Specialists from the RTRS Consulting Support Center (CSC) in the Moscow region are ready to answer questions about digital television and explain how to correctly select and connect receiving equipment. Working hours: Monday - Thursday from 9.00 to 18.00, Friday from 9.00 to 17.00.
Contacts of the RTRS Center for Communications in the Moscow region:
You can also ask questions about connecting digital broadcasting 24 hours a day at toll free number federal hotline: 8-800-220-20-02.
FOR REFERENCE
The federal target program for the transition from analogue to digital broadcast television was launched in 2009. As part of the Federal Target Program “Development of Television and Radio Broadcasting for 2009-2018”, a digital terrestrial television broadcasting network is being created with coverage of more than 98% of the population, including two multiplexes with 10 channels each, as well as three radio channels. The network will be fully operational after the completion of all facilities at the end of 2018.
OPINIONS
Nikita SIDOREVICH, resident of Balashikha:
We switched to digital television a year ago. And we don’t regret it, now we watch a lot of interesting channels, the choice is large and varied, and the quality of the show is better. Of course, it's not free, but the costs are not that high. For example, we didn’t buy a set-top box, but rented it from a company that provides digital TV, and we pay only 1 ruble a month for it.
Ekaterina PESTOVA, resident of the Zheleznodorozhny microdistrict:
My children gave me digital television. We bought a set-top box ourselves, connected it, and now I can watch channels that I had never even heard of before. I really like programs about travel, nature, animals - just choose!
Based on media materials prepared by Karina TIVANOVA
Not all TVs will show at least something after the New Year. Only those that receive a digital signal (marked DVB-T2) will work. In this case, it is important that you have a UHF antenna (indoor, outdoor or collective). In short, there is something to do - try to understand all the complex abbreviations.
But the worst thing is next: if the TV is not like that, you will have to buy a special set-top box for it. You need to pay from 600 to 12 thousand rubles. Sellers assure: the set-top box costs 600-1000 rubles. will not work, you must take no less than 5 thousand rubles. Needless to say, for a single pensioner even 600 rubles. money: that's 30 loaves of bread, or 15 liters of milk! Accustomed to saving on everything and denying themselves, people are now forced to pay - or they will be deprived of TV.
Time for scammers
“All sellers are trying to persuade you to buy the device as expensively as possible,” says senior manager of a network selling TV equipment, Anton Kraevsky.— But this is a deception: the more expensive the set-top box, the more additional functions it has. For example, the ability to record programs and watch them later, parental control, option to watch videos from the Internet on TV, Dolby sound, etc.” Many deceptive advertisements have appeared about supposedly planned work “to collectively transfer residents” to digital terrestrial television. Given the disgusting information provided to residents about the transition, it is not surprising that many of the same gullible pensioners will fall for such scams.
Why is analog TV turned off?
According to the Deputy Minister of Digital Development, Communications and Mass Communications of the Russian Federation Alexey Volin, today in Russia less than 10% of citizens live without digital television, and in a number of regions - only 2-3%.
The transition from analogue broadcasting to digital terrestrial TV in Russia was conceived in order to increase the choice of channels and their quality several times. TV viewers will have the opportunity to receive up to 20 TV channels per good quality for free.
Unlike users of cable and satellite operator networks, viewers of digital terrestrial television will not pay a subscription fee.
Pros of digital TV
Among the main advantages of digital TV: high image resolution; sound and picture without distortion; wide selection of channels.
Unlike analog broadcasting, which is continuous, but can be accompanied by a lot of interference (ripples, noise and poor picture quality), a digital signal filters out interference and does not carry unnecessary information, making the picture clear and high-quality. If there is serious interference, the digital signal, unlike the analog signal, will simply disappear.
Transition deadlines
The transition from analogue to digital television will affect all regions of the country, including Moscow and the Moscow region. Initially, the Ministry of Digital Development, Communications and Mass Media of the Russian Federation reported that the process of switching off analogue broadcasting would be completed before January 14-15, 2019, but then they decided to increase the transition period. As Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev said, the transition from analogue to digital television will be gradual. In total, the transition process will take six months.
The decision comes as some residents still use televisions that do not receive a digital signal. In order not to leave people without television broadcasting and to give time to purchase the necessary equipment, it was decided to make the transition to digital gradual.
As explained on the website of the Russian Television and Radio Broadcasting Network (RTRS), we are talking about reducing analogue broadcasting starting from January 1, 2019. The state ceases to subsidize television channels for signal distribution in cities with a population of less than 100 thousand people. This applies to mandatory public channels.
As part of the implementation of the target program “Development of television and radio broadcasting in the Russian Federation for 2009-2018”, reception of mandatory public television channels without subscription fee will become possible in all populated areas of Russia.
Free channels
The RTRS press service emphasizes that with the launch of the digital broadcasting network, Russians receive a free set of high-quality TV channels, comparable to what was previously offered only in paid packages.
TV viewers will have access to two digital multiplexes - packages of free digital channels.
Thus, residents of the Moscow region can already watch digital terrestrial television for free. In all settlements of the region, 10 programs of the RTRS-1 digital TV channel package (the first multiplex) are available in excellent quality: “Channel One”, “Russia 1”, “Match TV”, NTV, “Petersburg-5 channel” “Russia K”, “Russia 24”, “Carousel”, “Public Television of Russia”, “TV Center”, as well as three radio channels: “Vesti FM”, “Mayak” and “Radio Russia”.
By the end of 2018, residents of the Moscow region will have the opportunity to receive the RTRS-2 multiplex: STS, TNT, RenTV, Pyatnitsa, Spas, Domashny, Zvezda, TV3, Mir, MuzTV.
Construction of a TV network
To date, the construction of the network of the first and second multiplex (package of digital channels) has been completed in almost all regions of Russia. More than 9.5 thousand out of 10 thousand transmitters have already been installed and operating. The network will be fully operational at the end of 2018.
In the Moscow region, the construction and operation of a digital terrestrial television network is carried out by the RTRS branch - the Moscow Regional Center (MRC).
The digital signal is transmitted through digital radio and television transmitting stations (RTTS). The first such station began operating in Shatura, near Moscow, back in 2013. Currently, the stations cover the entire territory of the region.
Optional equipment
To watch digital terrestrial TV, you don't have to send your favorite TV to a landfill. It is enough to buy special equipment.
Most modern TVs support the DVB-T2 broadcast standard, which broadcasts free multiplexes. To watch free digital channels, their owners only need to buy a UHF antenna: collective or individual, outdoor or indoor, depending on living conditions.
The satellite dish has no relation to terrestrial repeaters and receives the signal directly from the satellite. You can't connect to it.
When will analogue television be switched off?
According to , government support for analogue broadcasting will be completely phased out in 2019.
Decree of the President of the Russian Federation of June 24, 2009 N 715
×"On all-Russian mandatory public television and radio channels"
With changes and additions from: May 12, 2011, April 17, September 30, 2012, April 20, 2013, July 21, August 11, 2014, July 15, 2015
4. The Government of the Russian Federation shall ensure:
b) provision, in the manner established by the Government of the Russian Federation, of subsidies: to broadcasters - to reimburse the costs of payment for communication services provided by the federal state unitary enterprise "Russian Television and Radio Broadcasting Network" for the purpose of on-air analogue terrestrial broadcast of all-Russian compulsory public television channels and radio channels (including including using communication networks of other operators) in populated areas with a population of less than 100 thousand people, in 2011 - 2018, and for the purposes of on-air digital terrestrial broadcasting of these TV channels and radio channels (including using communication networks of other operators) in populated areas in areas with a population of less than 100 thousand people - starting from 2019; Federal State Unitary Enterprise "Russian Television and Radio Broadcasting Network" - for reimbursement of costs (part of the costs) associated with the implementation of on-air digital terrestrial broadcasts of all-Russian compulsory public television channels and radio channels in 2011 in settlements with a population of less than 100 thousand people, in 2012 - 2018 - in all settlements of the Russian Federation;
How to connect DVB-T2 digital television?
You need an antenna (indoor or outdoor), set-top box or TV with a built-in tuner. In apartment buildings, there is most often no common antenna. The signal in the home network is provided by cable operators; DVB-T2 is not included.
Why is there no signal on the TV?
Provided that it was there before, it is necessary to check the connecting cords for damage, turn the equipment off and on, and perform an automatic channel scan.
What antenna is needed for digital television?
Broadcasting is carried out in the UHF range, so any antenna will do. When purchasing a new antenna, pay attention to the DVB-T2 mark and the gain.
What is the difference between an active and passive antenna?
A standard amplifier is installed on the active antenna; power is supplied from the power supply, which is located next to the TV, which is convenient for one TV. You can connect to a passive antenna separate amplifier, and after it divide the signal into several points.
How to connect digital terrestrial television through an indoor antenna?
Usage indoor antenna This is possible only in the area of reliable coverage of the repeater, most often within the line of sight of the tower.
Is it possible to connect two TVs to one set-top box?
Technically, this is possible. Either directly or through an external RF modulator. But such a scheme is extremely inconvenient; both TVs will simultaneously show the same program and channels must be switched directly on the set-top box. It is more convenient to install an additional receiver.
Why does the digital terrestrial television signal disappear?
Insufficient signal level leads to periodic broadcast interruptions. In such cases, a more powerful antenna and reinstallation at a higher point are necessary.
What cable should I use for TV wiring?
Coaxial cable with a resistance of 75 Ohms, it is advisable not to buy a cable thinner than 6 mm. The manufacturer can be any. Remember - “Good things don’t come cheap.” If the cable is laid for life, it is better not to save.
Why are the channels encrypted?
Some channels' broadcasts may be encrypted for broadcast testing purposes. At the beginning of 2018, there are no paid DVB-T2 channels.
