Belarusian Tv Signals: Understanding The Unique Broadcasting

Television in Belarus was introduced in 1956, when the country was known as the Byelorussian SSR. Since then, the country has moved from analogue to digital broadcasting, with the final switch occurring in 2015. The DVB-T2 standard was adopted as the basis for digital broadcasting, and most modern TV models support this standard.

In addition to state-owned channels, there is also an independent television channel in Belarus called Belsat TV, which is a subsidiary of Telewizja Polska. It broadcasts in Belarusian and Russian and aims to provide reliable news, promote Belarusian national culture and language, and combat disinformation in countries targeted by pro-Kremlin media.

Digital terrestrial television in Belarus

Advantages of Digital Terrestrial Television

The digital terrestrial signal in Belarus has several benefits:

• Antenna installation is a one-time, minimal cost.
• Multiple TVs can be connected to one antenna with standard wiring.
• Setup and operation do not require large costs or subscription fees.
• Installation can be done independently and mounted on a wall or roof.

Channels

The following channels are available for free through digital terrestrial television:

• Belarus 1
• Belarus 2
• Belarus 3
• ONT
• STV
• NTV-Belarus
• RTR-Belarus
• Mir
• Belarus 5

Equipment

To receive digital TV signals in Belarus, a decimeter antenna is required. This can be a room-type antenna if there is a good signal from the transmitting tower, but outdoor antennas are more common. If your TV has a built-in DVB-T or DVB-T2 tuner, you can connect the antenna directly to the TV. Otherwise, an external DVB-T/T2 digital set-top box is required.

Cable TV

Cable television is a popular option for viewers in Belarus, offering a wide range of channels and programming. To access cable TV, a cable from the provider must be connected to your house or apartment. If you live in a rural area or your home is not serviced by a cable provider, you may not be able to get cable TV.

Once you have confirmed availability, you will need to enter into a contract with the cable operator and pay for the services. The cable operator will typically provide you with a set-top box or a conditional access module for your TV. You may also need to purchase a coaxial cable to connect your TV to the cable outlet.

It is worth noting that cable television operators in Belarus often offer parallel transmission of analog and digital television signals. This means that if you wish to receive a digital signal, you should contact your cable operator and inquire about their technical capabilities.

In terms of programming, cable TV in Belarus offers a variety of channels, including news, entertainment, sports, and cultural content. Some popular channels available through cable include Belarus 1, Belarus 2, Belarus 3, ONT, STV, NTV-Belarus, RTR-Belarus, and Mir. Additionally, there are regional channels that provide news, entertainment, and cultural programming specific to different regions of Belarus, such as Brest, Vitebsk, Gomel, Grodno, Minsk, and Mogilev.

For those who wish to access international channels, cable TV in Belarus also offers the option to subscribe to foreign cable networks, such as those in Poland and Ukraine. This can provide access to a wider range of programming and perspectives.

Satellite TV

Choosing a Satellite

The first step is to choose a satellite that broadcasts channels in your preferred language. For Russian speakers, the Eutelsat satellite at 36 degrees is an option, offering channels from Tricolor or NTV-plus operators. If you prefer channels in Turkish, Arabic, German, or Ukrainian, you can receive a dozen other satellites in the region.

Equipment Requirements

To receive satellite TV signals, you will need a satellite dish. The dish captures the signals transmitted by the satellite and reflects them to a specific point, known as the focal point or feedhorn. From here, the signals are sent through a cable to your TV set. Ensure your dish is installed in a location with a clear line of sight to the satellite and is securely mounted to withstand weather conditions.

Next, you will need a satellite tuner, also known as a set-top box. This device receives the signals from your dish and converts them into content that can be displayed on your TV. Some TV models have built-in satellite tuners, usually labelled as DVB-S or DVB-S2. If your TV doesn't have this feature, you will need to purchase an external tuner.

Setting Up Your System

Connect the satellite dish to the tuner using a coaxial cable. If you have multiple viewing points, you may need additional cables. Ensure the tuner is connected to a power source. Then, connect the tuner to your TV using another cable, typically an HDMI or composite cable.

Turn on your TV and tuner, and locate the signal settings. For built-in tuners, you may need to access the TV's main menu, while external tuners will have their own settings. You will need to input the specific signal parameters for your chosen satellite, such as frequency, symbol rate, and polarization. These parameters can be found on the satellite operator's website or user guides.

Once you have entered the correct parameters, your TV should begin receiving the satellite channels. You may need to adjust the dish's position to optimize signal strength.

One option for satellite TV in Belarus is the "Belarus 24" channel, which can be received on various satellites with different parameters. For instance, to receive "Belarus 24" on the ABS-2A satellite, you would need the following settings:

• Orbital position: 75°E
• Downlink frequency: 11665 MHz
• Polarization: Vertical
• Symbol rate: 44922 kSymb/s
• Video: DVB-S/MPEG-2/SD

Alternatively, you can consider Belsat TV, an independent television channel broadcasting in Belarusian and Russian. Belsat is known for its reliable news, promotion of Belarusian culture and language, and efforts to combat disinformation. To access Belsat, tune your satellite dish to the Astra 4A satellite with the following parameters:

• Position: 5˚E
• Polarization: Horizontal
• Frequency: 12303 MHz
• Modulation: DVB-S
• Symbol rate: 25546 MSymb/s

DVB-T and DVBT-2 standards

DVB-T, or Digital Video Broadcasting – Terrestrial, is the DVB European-based consortium standard for the broadcast transmission of digital terrestrial television. It was first published in 1997 and first broadcast in Singapore in February 1998. This system transmits compressed digital audio, digital video, and other data in an MPEG transport stream, using coded orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (COFDM or OFDM) modulation.

DVB-T has been further developed into newer standards, such as DVB-H (Handheld), which was a commercial failure and is no longer in operation, and DVB-T2, which was initially finalized in August 2011.

DVB-T2, or Digital Video Broadcasting – Second Generation Terrestrial, is an extension of the television standard DVB-T, issued by the consortium DVB, and devised for the broadcast transmission of digital terrestrial television. It transmits compressed digital audio, video, and other data in "physical layer pipes" (PLPs), using OFDM modulation with concatenated channel coding and interleaving. The higher offered bit rate, with respect to its predecessor DVB-T, makes it a system suited for carrying HDTV signals on terrestrial TV channels.

DVB-T2 was adopted as the basis for the final transition from terrestrial analogue to digital broadcasting in Belarus in 2015.

The future of Belarusian TV

Television in Belarus has come a long way since its introduction in 1956. The country has kept pace with technological advancements, moving from analogue to digital terrestrial television broadcasting. In 2015, Belarus completed its transition to digital, with the DVB-T2 standard being adopted as the new broadcasting norm. This shift has brought several benefits, including improved image and sound quality, increased resistance to interference, and a higher number of channels, particularly in rural areas.

However, the state of television in Belarus is not just about technology. The country's TV landscape is largely dominated by state-owned channels, with Belteleradio operating eight television channels, seven of which are distributed nationally and one internationally. These channels offer a range of programming, including news, current affairs, entertainment, and sports. Nevertheless, international experts and the Belarusian opposition have criticised state TV as a tool for propaganda by the authoritarian regime of Alexander Lukashenko, accusing it of misinformation and advocating political repression.

In this context, the role of independent media outlets becomes crucial. Belsat TV, the first independent television channel in Belarus, broadcasts in Belarusian and Russian to the post-Soviet region. It aims to provide reliable news, promote Belarusian national culture and language, and combat disinformation. Belsat is funded primarily by the Polish government and has faced significant pressure and intimidation from the Belarusian authorities.

Looking ahead, the future of Belarusian TV may be shaped by several factors. Firstly, the country's political landscape will play a significant role. The outcome of ongoing tensions and the nature of the regime in power will influence the direction of television content and its degree of state control. Secondly, technological advancements will continue to impact the viewing experience. Further developments in digital television and streaming services may reshape how Belarusians consume media, potentially increasing access to alternative sources of information.

Lastly, the role of international actors cannot be overlooked. The support of foreign governments, organisations, and private institutions committed to promoting freedom of speech and democratic processes will be vital in sustaining independent media outlets like Belsat. Their financial backing and political credibility can help expand the variety of programs offered and enhance the technological capabilities of these channels.

In conclusion, the future of Belarusian TV is likely to be influenced by the interplay between domestic politics, technological advancements, and international support for independent media. While state-owned channels continue to dominate, the presence of independent outlets provides a counterbalance and offers viewers alternative sources of information. The coming years will be pivotal in shaping the television landscape in Belarus, with potential implications for access to information and freedom of expression in the country.

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