The transition to DVB-T2 in the Czech Republic was completed in 2020, yet many households still struggle with reception, especially in Prague, where high-rise buildings obstruct the signal. Which antenna to choose and when a living room model is sufficient.
DVB-T2 is the current standard for terrestrial digital television broadcasting, which the Czech Republic adopted in 2020. Compared to the previous version, it delivers more efficient image compression thanks to the HEVC (H.265) codec, meaning more channels and higher picture quality within the same bandwidth. For viewers, this means older equipment without HEVC support will either fail to find any signal or tune in only a limited selection of channels: the solution is a new television or receiver with HEVC support, or alternatively, a correctly selected and adjusted antenna.
An indoor room antenna may suffice in areas with a good signal and no obstructions between the flat and the transmitter: typically on lower floors close to the transmitter or where a neighbour with the same antenna receives without problems. However, in most of Prague's housing stock, an indoor antenna encounters shielding from walls, metal window frames or surrounding buildings. An outdoor antenna mounted on the roof, gable or balcony has a direct line of sight to the transmitter and therefore provides a stronger and more stable signal, especially if the house is situated at a lower elevation or in the shadow of other buildings. It is also worth considering the number of TVs in the household: while a smaller room antenna may be enough for one TV near a window, an outdoor antenna with a quality distribution system is almost always the better choice for distributing to multiple rooms.
Before tackling the reception issue, it is worth verifying where the problem actually originates. If the picture freezes or pixelates only on a few channels while others work without trouble, this points more to a weak signal on a specific frequency than to a faulty television. Conversely, a complete lack of signal across all channels at once, even after rescanning for channels, usually indicates an issue with the antenna, cable or connector. Only signal measurement will clarify the situation: a technician on site will see the exact level and quality of reception, not just that "the picture is acting up".
An amplifier is useful where the signal is detectable but weak: typically at a greater distance from the transmitter, when distributing the signal to multiple TVs in one household, or when the antenna cable runs over a longer distance with several splitters. Conversely, a strongly amplified signal in an area with already good reception can degrade the picture by overloading the receiver. This is why amplification strength is always set based on actual measured values, not by eye. A poorly chosen amplifier is one of the most common reasons why DIY installations fail to work reliably, even with expensive equipment.
In dense Prague urban areas, signal interference is most commonly caused by taller surrounding buildings that completely block the transmitter, signal reflections from facades in narrow streets, or a poorly aimed or outdated antenna still pointing at a previous transmitter following a change in transmission. Prague is primarily covered by the Prague-Žižkov and Cukrák transmitters, and depending on which side of the building the antenna is located and what obstructs its line of sight, reception quality can vary significantly even between neighbouring buildings. Corroded cabling and connectors in older buildings also contribute to this. Most of these issues are only revealed by on-site signal measurement: from this, the technician determines whether simply re-aiming the antenna is sufficient or if a different type or new position is required.
Independent signal measurement and diagnostics, if you are unsure of the cause of poor reception, costs 1 200 Kč. from 890 Kčincl. VAT. Installation of a new outdoor antenna, including alignment to the strongest transmitter, then from 1 500 Kčincl. VAT. The exact price, including any amplifier or extended cabling, will be confirmed after measuring the signal on site.
The exact antenna type, mast height and orientation, as well as the need for an amplifier, always depend on the specific address, two neighbouring buildings may have completely different reception quality due to a different line of sight to the transmitter. Therefore, installation always begins with measurement, not with an estimate based on what works down the street.
We will measure the signal on-site and recommend a solution that truly suits your location.