Spanish TDT HD box is now available

With 2022 update.

 

Televes  has been producing the HD model of its TDT box since 2015, with it you can watch all the usual Spanish Main channels, without subscription.

It is probably manufactured under licence , since the programming is from Canal+ ( Movistar ) and you would usually have to pay a rental charge and a monthly subscription for Movistar, plus a fairly hefty admin fee and transport costs. Although the TDT HD is expensive, its use is not limited in time, so long-term, it works out much cheaper than the subscription alternative.

For Sports fans, they have included Real Madrid TV, Teledeporte, and Teledeporte HD in the lineup.

For families with non-Spanish speakers, the Paramount film channel broadcasts English and American films complete with both Spanish and English soundtracks. Paramount shows many up-to-date films. Sometimes TVE channels 1 and 2 broadcast English language films, these too, may have an English soundtrack.

The Children are well taken care of with Boing, Clan TVE, and Disney, I’m often asked to get something that the kids will like, to keep the Spanish language going, so TDT is ideal.

Connection to the TV is via HDMI  lead and even has a Scart, for that ancient tv in the bedroom! The Televes 12 volt power unit is separate, which is always a good thing, keeping down the internal temperature, which is the major cause of electronic breakdown in any modern appliance. As a side effect, it can also be run from any 12volt source, such as in a camper van.  Eagle-eyed readers will notice the aerial socket, sorry but that’s only for installing IN Spain.

The reception is good, but you do have to very carefully adjust the dish. Hispasat is 30 degrees off due south, which can be tricky as the dish elevation is low, so you have to have a clear view in that direction, no trees or tall buildings. Also, the dish size varies with the part of the country you are in, the southwest is the easiest and the North East is much more difficult but quite achievable.

2022 update I recently installed TDT in Perth, Scotland and had a very good signal with an 80cm dish. So the signal has been increased significantly. 

Main Spanish Channels: TVE La 1, TVE La 2, Antenna 3  Cuatro,  Telecinco, La sexta,
TVE 24h, 13 TV, Neox, Nova, Mega

Movies: Paramount Channel
Documentary: Discovery Channel ES, Discovery Max
Entertainment: Divinity, Energy, Factoria de Ficcion (FDF), Dkiss,  Ten,  Atres Series
Kids: Disney Channel, Boing, Clan TVE
Sport: Teledeporte TVE (TDT)  Real Madrid

In use the TDT HD box is well-behaved. Although it comes ready to run, it is prudent to re-scan the tuning from time to time. There is no notice given when new channels are available, several have come online since the TDT was first available in the UK.  Use only the automatic scan, the manual is only for UHF reception ( in Spain ).  Since the latest software update, I have noticed that the scan does about 90% on the indicator bar, then hangs!  Don’t worry, all the boxes do the same, it isn’t a fault, just press OK, store the channels and all is well.

I notice that when changing channels, you may get a few seconds where the signal is being processed ( perhaps sorting out a buffer) , this is normal and does not recur.

To check whether you can have TDT reception and to get a Quote for installation, please fill in the main quote form on our satellitetveurope site, to help me get the right house use the ‘geocoder’ app found at the top of the form and watch the help video on the home page if you need to. ( best to use a PC or Mac , to do this, rather than a phone )

2018 June Update:

please note the updated details here ( bottom of post )