Grk101

HD hits Greece through Nova:

Some new developments/updates in Greek TV: It seems HDTV is coming to Greece finally. There are reports that Nova will start offering HD channels soon. Also on Digea's site, they state that HDTV will come soon. (Most likely after the transition phase) Also Satleo is reporting that ERT is close to selecting MPEG-4 for their digital transmissions. They currently transmit in MPEG-2, but have the capabilities for both. Digea is using MPEG-4. (http://www.satleo.gr/content/view/2821/1/) Satleo is also reporting that Mega wants to start broadcasting in 16:9 aspect ratio like SKAI currently does, and is pushing the other major channels to follow. (http://www.satleo.gr/content/view/2822/1/)

Quick question for anyone who knows, besides the obvious power issue, will digital set top boxes purchased in the United States work in Greece?

Some digital transition updates: The main channels (Alpha, Alter, Antenna, Macedonia TV, Mega, Skai, Star) have started a joint venture for their digital transmissions called "Digea". More information on it on their website: http://digea.gr/ This article/video is from September 2009, stating that the digital transition is coming with a target of 2012 for all of Greece. (Also as set by the EU. Absolute deadline in accordance with Geneva agreement is 2015) http://www.star.gr/index.php?ID=media&Rec_ID=16418 It seems there is some progress. The Thessaloniki region was put online on January 14, 2010 (http://www.star.gr/index.php?ID=media&Rec_ID=27131), while the Attiki region (greater Athens) is expected to go online June 18, 2010. (http://www.star.gr/index.php?ID=media&Rec_ID=36876) Unlike the Thessaloniki region, there will be no dual transmission of analogue and digital broadcast in Athens. Analogue will be shut off when Digital goes online.

yeah but in the states people are using cable connections......in greece people have antennas or sattelites.......im saying could it come in through a standard antenna? would i need a special box for the antenna to get HD channels? but greek channels in HD would be awesome. Imagine OAKA CL in HD :D ... I know you can get it over an Antenna, but I do not know if it needs to be a special Antenna or if you can use your standard antenna. Looking at this site for example, (http://tech.yahoo.com/blogs/worley/263) it seems to just mention a regular antenna. All you need is to be in range, be pointed in the right direction, and have an HD Tuner. Most new HDTV's come built in with digital and HD tuners. So there should not be an additional box needed for over the air transition. If someone has more knowledge on this, please step in.

I know you can get HD (local channels) over the air here in the US for free.....Not sure what you need though.Anyway, thanks for the news slick13. And thanks for that detailed explanation PurelyAcademic. :tup: It's nice that ERT will be adding more channels, but you still can not get those channels all over Greece. And it also seems that the set top boxes are expensive too.

I know this is a long shot, but do any of the Greek channels have plans to eventually broadcast in HD? I know a number of European broadcasters have already started to broadcast. You would think that ERT would try this out since they have some digital channels too. Also when is Greece's planned Digital transition? Last I heard the EU deadline was something like 2012, but an quick on line search brought me to an to an article stating that Greece's target is for 2015. What will these eventual changes mean for us (who receive the international versions) in the future? :gr: