Television viewers across Spain are being asked to rescan their televisions following the introduction of a new broadcasting standard that brings Ultra High Definition (UHD) transmissions to selected national channels and introduces a new television station, La Séptima.

The change began on Thursday, 5 November 2026, with the implementation of DVB-T2 technology on the RGE2 digital multiplex. The new national channel, La Séptima, also began broadcasting at midday.

The transition does not involve a complete shutdown of existing television services. Most channels will continue to be available in High Definition (HD), but some may change position or disappear from the channel list until viewers perform a new automatic search.

What Is Changing on Spanish Television?

The main technological development is the introduction of DVB-T2, the second-generation Digital Video Broadcasting terrestrial standard.

The technology allows television broadcasters to use available broadcasting capacity more efficiently and transmit content in Ultra High Definition, offering greater picture detail and improved sound quality.

From 5 November, the RGE2 digital multiplex began using DVB-T2 for UHD broadcasts. In this initial phase, the selected national broadcasters introducing UHD services include:

• La 1 UHD (RTVE).

• A second UHD service from RTVE.

• Antena 3 UHD (Atresmedia).

• Telecinco UHD (Mediaset España).

These new services complement the existing HD broadcasts, which will remain available.

The introduction of DVB-T2 also makes more efficient use of the available broadcasting spectrum, allowing capacity for additional television services.

La Séptima Begins Broadcasting

Another important development is the arrival of La Séptima, a new national television channel whose broadcasting licence was awarded on 26 May 2026 to the consortium Servicios Integrados Entretenimiento Televisivo SL.

The channel began its broadcasts on Thursday, 5 November, at 12:00.

La Séptima initially broadcasts in HD through the MPE5 digital multiplex. Its introduction forms part of the wider redistribution of national television frequencies associated with the new broadcasting arrangements.

The channel is a new addition to Spain's national TDT offering, although its arrival does not mean that all other television services are moving to a new broadcasting standard simultaneously.

Which Television Channels Could Be Affected?

Although most channels will remain available in HD, certain services may change position on the television dial or stop appearing correctly until viewers rescan their equipment.

The channels specifically identified by the Spanish Government include:

• Clan (RTVE).

• DKISS (Radio Blanca).

• Atreseries (Atresmedia).

• BeMad (Mediaset España).

• Boing (Mediaset España).

Viewers are therefore advised to perform a new automatic channel search to ensure that these services and the new broadcasting options are available.

How to Rescan Your Television

The process is generally straightforward and can be completed using the television remote control. The exact menu names may differ depending on the manufacturer and model.

Follow these steps:

1. Open the television settings

Switch on your television and press the Menu, Home or Settings button on your remote control.

2. Find the channel settings

Look for a section labelled Channels, Broadcasting, Installation, Configuration or Tuning.

3. Select automatic channel search

Choose the option called Automatic Channel Search or Automatic Tuning.

4. Allow the search to finish

Wait until the television or receiver completes the scanning process. Do not switch off the equipment during the search.

5. Save the updated channels

Once the search has finished, save the new channel list and check that all services are appearing correctly.

You may need to reorganise the channel order afterwards to restore your preferred viewing arrangement.

Do You Need a New Television?

Not necessarily.

The transition to DVB-T2 does not mean that everyone needs to purchase a new television.

According to the Spanish Government, televisions marketed in Spain since March 2025 are compatible with UHD broadcasts.

For older models, compatibility can be checked through the manufacturer's technical specifications or the television's settings menu.

Look for references such as:

• 4K.

• UHD.

• 3840 × 2160.

If the television is not compatible with UHD, viewers can generally continue watching existing HD broadcasts, provided the equipment supports the relevant HD services.

The distinction is important: being able to receive HD television does not automatically mean that a television can decode the new DVB-T2 UHD broadcasts.

Who Needs to Rescan Their Television?

The Spanish Government recommends a new channel search from 5 November to access the new UHD services, locate La Séptima and ensure that channels appear in their updated positions.

However, not everyone will need to perform the operation manually.

According to the Organisation of Consumers and Users (OCU), people who receive television through a telecommunications operator generally do not need to rescan their television themselves, as the operator manages the channel changes.

Similarly, viewers using SAT-TDT services in rural areas or locations with limited terrestrial coverage will generally receive channel updates automatically through their satellite platform.

For households receiving conventional terrestrial television directly through an aerial, an automatic channel search is the recommended solution.

A Gradual Transition Towards UHD Broadcasting

The introduction of DVB-T2 forms part of Spain's National Technical Plan for Digital Terrestrial Television, approved in March 2025.

The 5 November change represents the first phase of a wider technological transition. Initially, selected national channels are introducing UHD broadcasts while other television services continue using the existing HD broadcasting arrangements.

The second phase will begin once a sufficiently large proportion of television receivers are compatible with the new technology. At that stage, the Government plans to extend UHD broadcasting across national, regional and local television services.

For viewers, the immediate recommendation is simple: check television compatibility and perform an automatic channel search to ensure access to the updated TDT channel list.