Revolution in MUX-8: From SD to HD. Can Your Network Handle the Change?
Digital Terrestrial Television in Poland is entering the final stage of a major modernization. MUX-8, so far associated with lower SD resolution, is preparing for a technological leap. For broadcasters such as Republika, wPolsce24, WP, or Nowa TV, this is an opportunity for better quality – but for operators, it is a real technical challenge. As Netceed, an integrator with many years of experience, we analyze what this change means for the market and what the MUX-8 revolution – from SD to HD – really entails.
Who faces the biggest challenge?
Question: Who will be most affected by the change in the MUX-8 broadcasting standard?
Answer: The primary challenge will be faced by local and nationwide cable TV (CATV) operators and IPTV providers. Emitel, as the technical operator, is preparing its infrastructure for the transition to the DVB-T2/HEVC standard, which forces signal receivers (operators) to adapt their headends. Broadcasters are also directly involved, as they must deliver the signal in high definition, as well as integrators such as Netceed, who must provide equipment enabling seamless downstream distribution of this signal.
Operators in Poland – what problems will they face in their headends?
Question: What technical issues will Polish operators have to deal with?
Answer: The main problem is the limited performance of existing equipment. The transition from SD to HD in the HEVC standard means higher bandwidth requirements and the need for high-performance video processors. Many operators use older-generation transcoders that may not handle the increased data throughput or lack the appropriate licenses for HEVC decoding in high resolution. This creates the risk of a network “bottleneck,” which – without suitable equipment – can lead to image artifacts or broadcast interruptions.
The end subscriber – what will your customer experience?
Question: How will the MUX-8 change affect subscriber experience?
Answer: From the subscriber’s perspective, the change is desirable – they expect crystal-clear HD images on news and entertainment channels. However, if the operator does not ensure proper integration and transcoding, customers may experience negative effects: from audio/video synchronization issues to a complete loss of access to channels if their set-top box (STB) or the operator’s network cannot handle the new format. In an era of intense competition from streaming platforms, any degradation in traditional cable TV quality can result in customer churn.
Netceed’s solution: Harmonic Electra XOS Unlimited
Question: How can you prepare your network for changes in MUX-8 and future market challenges?
Answer: The key is investing in a solution that eliminates uncertainty. At Netceed Poland, we recommend the Harmonic Electra XOS transcoder in the Unlimited version. Why? Because in the dynamic world of television, “Unlimited” means peace of mind. This device comes with all licenses unlocked, enabling a smooth transition from SD to HD without the need to purchase additional options in the future. Electra XOS not only handles the current MUX-8 change but also provides power reserves for years to come, supporting the most demanding codecs and formats.
As an integrator, we don’t just deliver equipment – we also help with configuration and deployment so that the transition to HD in MUX-8 is seamless for your subscribers, while you can enjoy a modern, efficient network.