I’ve got an old television with a standard aerial receiving analogue Spanish channels only, and I don’t want anything more than that at the moment. I heard somewhere though that they’re turning off the analogue system in Spain just as they plan to do in the UK.  Can I just plug in an off-the-shelf box between the aerial and the telly?  Thanks in advance for any info.

You sure can! Buy a TDT priced from around 30 euros - I bought one in Carrefour connect the aerial to it and then I used a scart (not supplied) to connect the TDT to the TV. The TDT box then tunes itself in and you will then receive loads more digital channels as well as the standard TVE1 etc

The other good news is that then you will also be able to select the original voice on many films etc and enjoy in English - if you want to.

The only problem is that sometimes the digital channels break up but I understand (and hope!) that problem will go away when the system is fully live.

Comment you teckies!

Brilliant Rob, thanks for that.  M.

Mart Hi,
You might have to replace the aerial; not a difficult or an expensive item.
When you have bought your TDT box plug it in and see what you get; if there is any signal break-up or pixellation then a new antenna is required.
So far as I am aware, in your area, digital signals are transmitted from the same transmitter mast as the old analogue signals were so no re-alignment should be needed. 
should you need one, high gain antennas are available from Carrefour, Alcampo, Mediamarkt, Aki, Brico depot (Spanish B&Q)(All of the aforementioned can be found at the Pulianas Centro Commercial in Granada) or most decent Ferretatrias.
If you go to http://www.televisiondigital.es/terrestre/cobertura/, you can input your post code and a list of digital stations available in your area will be displayed.

One thing does come to mind; dont be tempted to use a UK purchased Set-top box; it will probably work but some stations will be missing specifically those on Ch 69.
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Martin;
I just ran a check on what I believe to be your village post code and you might have a problem with the main TVE stations (TVE1, TVE2, TVE24 and Clan) on digital. These are shown as No Coverage.

The other normally available digital stations listed are shown as partial coverage, but that may be of no significance since all of the stations for our location are listed as partial coverage and we have no problem at all, but accurate alignment of the antenna is important…

I believe however that under the shut down agreements on analogue broadcasting, broadcasters are obliged to provide in digital format any programmes previously available in analogue format…

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you may not only need to change your aerial (i have repalced many old aerials as they were just too old!) but you alao need to ensure your amplifer / powersupply are working correctly. and also, eliminate any unnessessary splitters in the house - why reduce the signals in the cable to a room that you do not have a TV in!

it is also likely that a few areas will not be able to receive a terrestrial digital signal…i think it was around 5 - 10% of the country will not get it. this is why the gvmt is looking into putting the tdt channels onto satellite, similar to the UK freesat service which provides digital tv to areas who cannot get freeview. it is still in the planning stages. many areas are due to be switched off 1 jan2010, and the final phase is 1 May 2010. some local town halls have put up local masts to help reception, but this has not helped in a few cases i have been to.

foxbat - 30 July 2009 02:54 AM

Martin;
I just ran a check on what I believe to be your village post code and you might have a problem with the main TVE stations (TVE1, TVE2, TVE24 and Clan) on digital. These are shown as No Coverage.

The other normally available digital stations listed are shown as partial coverage, but that may be of no significance since all of the stations for our location are listed as partial coverage and we have no problem at all, but accurate alignment of the antenna is important…

I believe however that under the shut down agreements on analogue broadcasting, broadcasters are obliged to provide in digital format any programmes previously available in analogue format…

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Yeah, I see what you mean foxbat, I’m getting no or parcialmente disponible on the link you kindly provided.  We are at 1,200m+, with more mountains on most sides, so it was never going to be the first place in Spain to get the full service.  Perhaps they’ll improve disponibilidad before analogue gets turned off.  Thanks all for enthusiastic help!

Martin Hi,

We are at 1,200m+, with more mountains on most sides…

Yeah, you and me both…stuck in a valley at 1000 metres, with mountains all around near Alhama de Granada.

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