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DTT (the broadcast of digital television services using terrestrial radio transmission) was launched on 31 December 2007 and signals are transmitted by the principal transmitting station at Temple Hill, which serves as the hub of the transmission network, followed by the 28 transmitting stations completed in 2008-2011. The current DTT coverage has extended to all districts in Hong Kong reaching at least 99% of the population.

DTT signals are received and distributed to viewers by standalone antenna and/or in-building communal aerial broadcast distribution system, as illustrated below.

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Reference Guide on How to Rescan for Digital TV Programme Channels


Frequently Asked Questions

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Q1Why does my digital TV set receive certain DTT channels only, instead of all channels?
A1
If your household receives TV signals through your building's communal aerial broadcast distribution (CABD) system, your building's incorporated owners or management company have to carry out certain works and adjustments on the CABD system to receive all DTT channels. You may check with your building’s incorporated owners or management company to see which DTT channels you can actually receive.

For more information on the technical issues, or if you encounter problems when receiving TV signals through a standalone antenna, you may call us at 2961 6333 for enquiries.
Q2What is the difference in the reception of DTT programmes via a digital set-top box and a digital TV set?
A2
There is no distinct difference in picture quality whether you receive DTT broadcast via a digital set-top box or a digital TV set. All digital TV sets available on the market can display DTT programmes in high-definition TV (HDTV) resolution.

However, please note that very old analogue TV sets with cathode ray tubes (CRT) cannot display HDTV picture. A CRT TV set connected to a digital set-top box will only display standard-definition picture resolution.
Q3What is HDTV? Can my digital TV set receive free-to-air HDTV?
A3
All free-to-air television broadcasters in Hong Kong provide HDTV services. HDTV format includes the signal format of TV studio production/transmission such as resolution (e.g. 1920 x 1080i) and aspect ratio (e.g. 16:9 widescreen).

TV sets for viewing HDTV should at least have the following basic features:

  • having a wide screen aspect ratio of 16:9;
  • supporting 1080i HDTV picture formats; and
  • having built-in HDTV input terminals like Component Video or HDMI connectors.
Component Video sockets and connectors

HDMI socket and connector
Q4Do I need to subscribe to pay TV services and pay monthly fees to receive DTT services?
A4
No. There is no need to pay any subscription fees to receive free DTT services. All you need to do is to connect your existing analogue TV set to a set-top box or switch to a digital TV set, for reception of DTT signals through standalone antenna and/or in-building communal aerial broadcast distribution system.
Q5Do I need to subscribe to broadband Internet service to receive DTT services?
A5
No. Currently, DTT services cover 99% of the Hong Kong population. If your household can receive DTT signals, and you have a digital TV set or a set-top box, you can receive free DTT services.