All Yle’s HD channels will continue to be distributed via DNA’s terrestrial TV network

All four Yle’s HD channels can be viewed via DNA’s VHF terrestrial network for free and unencrypted. The network covers approximately 85 per cent of Finland’s households. Yle has been offering HD channels from 2011 and will provide all of its own television programming in full HD quality by the end of 2016.

“Through our television network, we have systematically promoted access to HD content in Finnish homes. Yle’s high-definition channels are a key part of the offering. This agreement on the distribution of Yle’s HD channels via our terrestrial network will enable sustained development and ensure that homes using terrestrial antennas will continue to receive all Yle’s programming as top-quality HD image,” says Jarno Haikonen, Vice President, Entertainment Business, DNA.

“Through the competitive tendering of our HD channel distribution, we achieved a great result. Our co-operation with DNA will continue. Yle can now develop the distribution of HD television via the terrestrial network with a Finnish partner, while supporting efficient use of the VHF frequency band. A large part of Finnish households using terrestrial antennas can already receive Yle’s HD channels via DNA’s terrestrial network, even though we won’t be able to offer HDTV broadcasts throughout Finland until 2020,” says Janne Yli-Äyhö, COO, Operations, Yle.

Yle’s HD channels offer high-definition broadcasts of a range of programming, such as the UEFA European Championship and the Rio 2016 Olympics, and entertainment fans can tune in this weekend to watch the Eurovision Song Contest.

Yle’s HD channel numbers in DNA’s terrestrial network

• Yle TV1 HD - 21
• Yle TV2 HD - 22
• Yle Fem HD - 25
• Yle Teema HD - 27

To receive the channels, viewers will need a VHF antenna tuned to DNA’s terrestrial network and an Antenna Ready HD set-top box or television. Local antenna contractors can help with adjusting and installing the antenna.

DNA’s network includes 16 HD channels that can be accessed by homes using terrestrial antennas. In addition to Yle’s HD channels, DNA’s offering includes the Finnish free-to-view MTV3 HD and several HD channels that are available as part of channel packages.

DNA utilises the latest advances in technology in channel distribution and quality assurance. DNA’s network focuses on HD distribution, in compliance with the DVB-T2 standard. In 2009, DNA was the first Finnish operator, and one of the first operators in Europe, to start broadcasting under the T2 standard.

By the end of March in 2020, all Finnish terrestrial network broadcasting will use DVB-T2 technology. After the switch-over date, for example the main Finnish channels can only be viewed using Antenna Ready HD equipment.

“If you are buying a new television or set-top box, check that the device is Antenna Ready HD approved. You can then follow all the channels and enjoy the increasing high-definition content in the terrestrial network,” says Haikonen.

More information (in Finnish):

• Antenna Ready HD devices: www.testatutlaitteet.fi
• HD broadcasts: www.hdtvopas.fi
• Receiving DNA’s terrestrial network: www.dna.fi/uusiantennitv

Further information for the media:

Jarno Haikonen, Vice President, Entertainment Business, DNA Ltd., tel. +358 44 044 2058, jarno.haikonen@dna.fi
Janne Yli-Äyhö, COO, Operations, Yle, tel. +358 400 410 698, janne.yli-ayho@yle.fi

DNA Corporate Communications, tel. +358 44 044 8000, viestinta@dna.fi

DNA Ltd is a Finnish telecommunications group providing high-quality voice, data and TV services for communication, entertainment and working. DNA is Finland’s largest cable operator and the leading pay TV provider in both the cable and terrestrial networks. For DNA, the key area for growth in the Corporate Business is the new way of working, independent of time and place, facilitated by smart mobile devices, diverse communication services and rapid connections. In 2015, DNA recorded a turnover of EUR 828.8 million and an operating profit of EUR 73.1 million. DNA Ltd has more than 3.7 million mobile communications and fixed network customer subscriptions. The Group also includes DNA Store, Finland’s largest retail chain selling mobile phones. For more information, please visit www.dna.fi, Twitter @DNA_fi, @DNA_Business and @DNA_Palvelu and Facebook.

Yleisradio Oy is Finland’s national public service broadcasting company and the largest creative community and producer of content in Finland. Yle produces diverse, high-quality and reliable content for all digital digital platforms: television, radio and online. Yle’s four television and six radio channels are complemented by Finland’s most comprehensive and diverse television and radio content online. Nationwide, 25 regional radio stations and regional news from 8 districts provide full coverage across Finland.
Yle provides services in Finnish, Swedish, Sámi, Russian, Romani and Finnish Sign Language. Yle’s largest shareholder is the Finnish government and its activities are financed through an Yle tax.