Spain's 4K terrestrial TV: HEVC and DVB-T2
The UHD channels on Spanish terrestrial TV (TDT) broadcast HEVC over DVB-T2. From 5 November 2026 there are four; to watch them your TV must support both.
Key points
- On 5 November 2026 multiplex RGE2 moves to DVB-T2 and three UHD channels join La 1 UHD: La 2, Antena 3 and Telecinco.
- To watch them, the TV must support DVB-T2 and HEVC (H.265). Watching La 1 UHD only proves the latter.
- No switch-off: HD channels stay on DVB-T. Retune that day (and on 3 November).
- Phase two (all multiplexes on DVB-T2) will come once 95 % of receivers are compatible; no date yet.
What changes and why HEVC matters
Spanish terrestrial TV (TDT) currently broadcasts DVB-T with H.264 HD video. 4K needs two upgrades at once: DVB-T2, a modulation that fits more data in the same frequency, and HEVC, which compresses 4K to half of what H.264 needs. Together, a UHD channel fits where one or two HD channels used to.
La 1 UHD has broadcast in HEVC since 2024, but on a DVB-T multiplex. From 5 November, multiplex RGE2 (shared by RTVE, Atresmedia and Mediaset) migrates to DVB-T2 and launches La 2 UHD, Antena 3 UHD and Telecinco UHD.
Spain's 4K terrestrial TV timeline
2024
La 1 UHD
First free-to-air 4K channel, in HEVC.
3 Nov 2026
Preparation
RTVE reorganises its main multiplex; Clan changes frequency.
5 Nov 2026
DVB-T2 and 4 UHD channels
Multiplex RGE2 moves to DVB-T2: La 2, Antena 3 and Telecinco in UHD. Retune needed.
No date
Phase 2
Remaining multiplexes move to DVB-T2 once 95 % of receivers support it.
How to tell if your TV is compatible
- Find the exact modelOn the rear label or in Settings › Support › Product information.
- Read the spec sheetThe tuner section must list "DVB-T2" ("DVB-T/C/S2" is not enough). Under video, "HEVC" or "H.265".
- Try La 1 UHDIf you can watch it, your TV decodes HEVC. You still need to confirm DVB-T2.
- Retune on 5 NovemberRun an automatic channel search. If the new UHD channels appear, you're set.
| Your TV | HD channels | UHD channels |
|---|---|---|
| 4K with DVB-T2 and HEVC (most since 2018-2019) | Yes | Yes |
| 4K with HEVC but no DVB-T2 | Yes | La 1 UHD only |
| Full HD with DVB-T2 | Yes | Depends on HEVC support; shown downscaled |
| No DVB-T2 or HEVC | Yes | No |
If your TV isn't compatible
You don't need a new one: an external DVB-T2 receiver with HEVC over HDMI shows the UHD channels. On a Full HD TV you'll see them at your screen's resolution. Viewers who watch TDT through Movistar Plus+, Orange TV, DIGI or Vodafone TV need do nothing.
What comes next
Royal Decree 250/2025 sets a benchmark of 95 % of receivers supporting DVB-T2 and 90 % supporting UHD/HEVC before the remaining multiplexes migrate. According to 2025 data, only about a third of TVs in use supported 4K, so phase two has no date. When it comes, devices without DVB-T2 will lose channels.
If you're buying a TV, make sure it has DVB-T2 and HEVC Main 10: see compatible devices.
Frequently asked questions
Will I lose channels on 5 November?
No. HD channels keep broadcasting in DVB-T. Only the new UHD channels (and the multiplex moving to DVB-T2) need a compatible TV. A retune is enough.
How do I know if my TV has DVB-T2 and HEVC?
Check the spec sheet: the tuner must list "DVB-T2" and the video section "HEVC" or "H.265". If you already watch La 1 UHD, you have HEVC, but confirm DVB-T2 too.
Do I need a new aerial?
No, the aerial and installation still work. If the TV lacks DVB-T2, an external DVB-T2 set-top box with HEVC will show the UHD channels.
Sources
- Ministerio para la Transformación Digital. El 5 de noviembre comenzará la emisión de la TDT en ultra alta definición (julio de 2026)
- Xataka Móvil. Antes del salto de la TDT al 4K, hay otra fecha clave: el 3 de noviembre (8-10-2026)
- Xataka Móvil. La TDT prepara otra resintonización (RD 250/2025, umbrales del 95 % y 90 %)
- OCU. Canales de TDT en UHD
- DVB Project. Especificaciones DVB-T2 y DVB UHD (HEVC)