DVB-T2 Television Netherlands – NPO & Digitenne Upgrade
October 3, 2018
DVB-T2 television Netherlands is now officially active. Since October, viewers in regions like Groningen and Drenthe have started receiving their digital terrestrial TV signal through the modern DVB-T2 HEVC (H.265) standard.
This upgrade affects both NPO’s free-to-air public broadcasting and Digitenne, the pay-TV platform owned by KPN.
What Changed in Dutch Digital Terrestrial Television?
On the night of October 1 to 2, KPN began converting transmission towers across the country from DVB-T to DVB-T2. This rollout has improved image quality from SD to Full HD 1080p and expanded the availability of regional broadcasters.
Before the upgrade, only the local province’s station was broadcast. Now, neighboring provincial channels are included—giving viewers more localized content.
DVB-T2 Television Netherlands Requires New Equipment
Many viewers will need new hardware. Unless your TV supports DVB-T2 with HEVC, you’ll need a dedicated decoder. These are widely available and inexpensive.
For example, Digitenne subscribers must use KPN-approved devices such as ZTE or Rebox receivers. Even newer televisions with built-in DVB-T2 tuners won’t work without these certified boxes due to encryption changes.
How the Rollout Works – Regional Activation Timeline
KPN is performing a phased national rollout of DVB-T2 television in the Netherlands. The upgrade began in October 2018 and will finish by April 2019. Viewers across the country will gradually be migrated to the new standard.
Check KPN’s website for the exact activation date in your region.
What About CI+ Modules and Smartcards?
Currently, there is no CI+ module or Irdeto smartcard available for Digitenne’s new encryption. The only way to receive the signal is via KPN’s official hardware. For public broadcasting via NPO, however, a standard DVB-T2/HEVC decoder or compatible TV is enough.
Conclusion
The transition to DVB-T2 television in the Netherlands improves both quality and content availability. While it may require new hardware, the long-term benefits—especially for viewers of NPO and Digitenne—make it a worthy upgrade.
