How to watch TV without a decoder: updated solutions

This guide will explain how to watch television without using an external decoder, leveraging modern and practical solutions. The switch to the new terrestrial digital standard, DVB-T2 HEVC Main10, has made many outdated televisions obsolete. If your TV struggles to tune in channels or you want to prepare for the switch-off, this guide will provide the necessary solutions.

This guide is useful for those who own a television not compatible with the new terrestrial digital standard, those who want to avoid purchasing an external decoder, or those who wish to explore modern alternatives for watching TV.

By the end of this guide, you will be able to:

• Check if your television has an integrated DVB-T2 decoder.
• Use streaming apps to watch TV without a decoder.
• Transform an old TV into a multimedia center with external devices.
• Access satellite channels without a decoder using a tivùsat CAM.
• Explore FAST platforms for a wide selection of free channels.

Prerequisites

• Television: A television with an antenna cable connected.
• Internet Connection: An active Internet connection for streaming solutions.
• Smart TV: A television with an integrated operating system (e.g., Android TV, webOS, Tizen) for streaming apps.
• External Devices: An HDMI dongle or a multimedia box (e.g., Fire TV Stick, Google TV Streamer, Apple TV) for non-Smart TVs.
• Satellite Dish: A dish installed on the roof and a television with a CI+ slot for the tivùsat solution.

PROCEDURE: How to watch TV without a decoder

Following this guide, you will discover how to watch television without using an external decoder, leveraging modern and practical solutions.

Utilizing a TV with an already integrated DVB-T2 decoder

• Connect the antenna cable to the television.
• Enter the television's settings menu.
• Start an automatic channel rescan.
• To verify compatibility, tune in to channel 200 (test card dedicated to HEVC Main10) or channel 100 (compatibility with future UHD/HDR formats).
• If you can read the on-screen text regularly, your TV is compatible and you do not need additional devices.

Watching TV in streaming

• Access the store integrated into your Smart TV.
• Download the official apps of the main broadcasters:
• RaiPlay for Rai channels live and on-demand.
• Mediaset Infinity for Canale 5, Italia 1, Rete 4, and other group channels.
• Discovery+ for NOVE, Real Time, DMAX, and other package channels.
• La7 and other dedicated apps for free-to-air channels.

Using external devices

• Purchase an HDMI dongle compatible with your home Wi-Fi.
• Connect the dongle directly to the back of the television.
• Among the most popular devices are:
• Fire TV Stick by Amazon, available in different versions.
• Google TV Streamer 4K.
• Apple TV for Apple users.

tivùsat

• Purchase a certified tivùsat CAM (card to insert into the television).
• Insert the CAM into the television's CI+ slot.

VERIFICATION AND TROUBLESHOOTING: How to test if it works and what to do if it fails

After following the solutions to watch TV without a decoder, it is important to verify the correct operation of the chosen system and know what to do in case of problems.

Verification of the integrated DVB-T2 decoder

• Tune in to channel 200 to verify compatibility with HEVC Main10.

Verification of TV streaming

• Ensure the television is connected to the Internet.
• Download and install the official apps of the desired broadcasters (e.g., RaiPlay, Mediaset Infinity, Discovery+, La7).
• If you cannot view the channels, check the Internet connection and update the apps if necessary.

Verification of external devices

• Turn on the device and follow the initial setup instructions.
• Open the device's app store and download the apps of the desired broadcasters.
• If you encounter connection problems, restart the device and check the Wi-Fi network.

Verification of the tivùsat CAM

• Verify the availability of satellite channels in HD and 4K.

Resolution of common problems

• If the signal is weak or intermittent, check the antenna or dish and ensure they are properly installed.
• If the television does not recognize the integrated DVB-T2 decoder, check the menu settings and update the firmware if necessary.
• If the streaming apps do not work correctly, update them and check the Internet connection.
• If the HDMI dongle does not respond, restart it and verify the Wi-Fi connection.

Now that you know the alternatives, it's time to put them to the test.

• Consider purchasing an HDMI dongle if your television is old.
• Explore the tivùsat option if you have a dish installed.

Follow the indicated steps and enjoy TV without a decoder. Happy viewing!