DVB-T in Mallorca is referred to as TDT (television digital terestre) which is roughly the same. As of early 2007, the broadcast quality is good, but the signal strength is really poor, judged from first-hand experience. In the city centre of Palma de Mallorca it is still quite hard to get hold of a proper stable signal.

 

A detailed test in a fifth floor flat with visibility in 3 of 4 directions, using an antenna with an amplifier still does not provide a stable signal at all times. This is very poor and it is quite unlikely that the situation is any better in other regions of the island. This is a shame, because signal quality, when received above the threshold of reception is pretty good, despite only occupying some 5 channels of the about 70 channels available (at least in theory). Very disappointing is the fact, that no real foreign channel made it to DVB-T. Whether this is for the "Consell" remains to be determined, but for the almost 20% of foreigners, it would be nice to have at least CNN in English. Unfortunately CNN is only available in Spanish language. Some programs however are transmitted in dual mode, spanish and english, sometimes other languages, particulary on TVE1 and TVE2.

 

With about 20 channels currently available, DVB-T is an improvement for all those who only have the ordinary terrestrial channels. However, anyone who has ONO TV (the cable/internet operator), Digital Plus (from the merger of Via Digital and Canal Satelite Digital) or simply a 80cm dish focused on Astra Digital will probably laugh about the DVB-T on the island. However, it is a first step in the right direction and neither the "Consell" nor any other responsible authorities on the island should limit the diversity of the channels available. This is not only for the convenience for foreigner, but also for local's who will benefit from getting a different point of view and the chance to learn foreign language more easily.

 

As for the radio stations, there are less then a dozen after three scans. This is no alternative at all, especially with the variety of FM channels available and the countless internet radio stations you can tune-in to these days. 

 

What remains is the hope that this is only the beginning with many other channels to appear in the coming month and a decent signal quality to be established all over the island anytime soon. If so, DVB-T has great potential on the island and it could be a real success, particulary in a multi-cultural society like the one in Mallorca.

 

Coverage Map (external pop-up link)