DVB in France - Télévision Numérique Terrestre (TNT)

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DVB in France - Télévision Numérique Terrestre (TNT)

DVB (Digital Video Broadcasting) or terrestrial digital television is called Télévision Numérique Terrestre (TNT) in France. Coverage is almost nationwide.

DVB is a global standard, meaning that televisions with built-in decoders bought outside France, and also external decoders (such as FreeView and Top-up TV boxes from the United Kingdom) will work.

• For a map of TNT coverage in France: Click here (in French)
• For the TNT website: Click here (in French)

Installing TNT

The following is needed to receive TNT:

• An aerial (internal or external). If the current aerial can receive the seven analogue terrestrial channels there is no need to change it.
• Good quality coaxial cable linking the aerial to a DVB terminal/decoder, or a television with a built in decoder

In areas where TNT is available, decoders are stocked by hardware stores and hypermarkets.

TNT Satellite

TNT is also available via the Astra 1 Satellite at 19.2 degrees east (same as Canal Satellite) as TNT SAT. There is no subscription charge although set up requires the decoder and viewing card (which is valid four years).

The following is needed to receive TNT via satellite:

• Satellite dish pointing to 19.2 degrees east
• Decoder box with TNT Sat viewing card (available from hypermarkets and DIY stores)
• For more information on TNT Astra: Click here (in French)

Available Channels

TNT has 18 free-to-view channels plus CNN, BBC World Service, Sky News and several radio stations.

• For a full list: Click here
• For a daily programme guide: Click here

Over 10 channels are available by subscription only, these include Canal+, Eurosport, Paris Première and TPS Star.

Digital Switchover

Digital terrestrial television (TNT - Télévision Numérique Térrestre) will become the only way of receiving television programs broadcast in France.

From February 2010, the analogue signal has been gradually switched off and replaced with a digital signal. Dates for the switchover in each specific region can be found on the Tous au Numérique website. The full switch is due to be completed by the end of 2011.

Televisions using an outside or interior aerial will need to be equipped with a TNT decoder. This will allow for more channels in digital quality to be received without subscription. For all the other modes of reception (satellite, cable or via an Internet supplier), a TNT decoder is not necessary. All retailers are now required to sell television equipment with integrated TNT decoders so new TVs incorporate all that's required.

Financial help is available on means tested basis for the purchase of equipment and aerial, including for equipment in areas that currently cannot receive the digital signal.

• Full details can be viewed on the "Les Aides" tab of the website: Click here (in French)

The choice of channels will increase from the five analogue ones currently available to at least 18.

Dates for switching over of the standard channels vary from region to region.

• To find out the switchover dates in each region for standard channels: Click here

Canal+ (Canal Plus) operates on a different frequency from standard channels and completed its changeover to digital broadcasting at the end of 2010.