Which countries currently have DVB-T2 is H264 instead of H265

Here’s a consolidated global overview of countries and regions where DVB‑T2 broadcasting still primarily uses H.264/AVC rather than H.265/HEVC. This list focuses on the current dominant codec for most channels, though some markets are in transition and may use H.265 for UHD or test services.

DVB‑T2 with H.264 as the Main Codec

Country / Region	Main Codec	Launch Year (DVB‑T2)	Transition Notes
United Kingdom	H.264	2010	HD channels on DVB‑T2 use H.264; SD remains DVB‑T + MPEG‑2.
Italy	H.264	2015	Gradual migration to H.265; most channels still H.264.
Spain	H.264	2018 (tests)	H.265 only in limited trials; H.264 dominant.
France	H.264	2016 (tests)	H.265 for 4K trials; HD still H.264.
Russia	H.264	2012	Nationwide DVB‑T2 entirely H.264.
Thailand	H.264	2014	All multiplexes in H.264.
Malaysia	H.264	2016	myFreeview platform uses H.264.
Philippines	H.264	2017	All DVB‑T2 broadcasts in H.264.
Kenya	H.264	2014	East African DVB‑T2 networks use H.264.
Uganda	H.264	2014	Same as Kenya.
Tanzania	H.264	2014	Same as Kenya.
Jordan	H.264	2015	Middle East DVB‑T2 in H.264.
UAE	H.264	2015	Same as Jordan.
Serbia	H.264	2015	Eastern Europe DVB‑T2 in H.264.
Bulgaria	H.264	2013	Same as Serbia.
Romania	H.264	2015	Same as Serbia.
Germany	H.265 (now) / H.264 (pre‑2017)	2016	Switched to H.265 for HD; some local channels still H.264.
Finland	H.265	2020	New rollouts in H.265; older DVB‑T2 muxes in H.264.
Czech Republic	H.265	2020	Full migration to H.265.

Trends

• H.264 remains dominant in countries that deployed DVB‑T2 before ~2015.
• H.265 adoption is growing in newer rollouts (e.g., Finland, Czech Republic, updated German networks) to save spectrum.
• Compatibility is a key factor: H.265 requires newer TV tuners/decoders, so many broadcasters keep H.264 for maximum audience reach.

Therefore, our car four-antenna DVB-T2 can still be used normally in the above countries. If you have any demand for high-speed mobile digital TVs, our DVB-T24-Y can meet your needs very well.

Advantages in H.264‑Dominant DVB‑T2 Markets

1. Full Compatibility with Existing Broadcasts

• In those countries, all or most DVB‑T2 multiplexes are H.264, so an H.264‑only receiver will decode every available channel without needing H.265 support.
• Avoids the risk of “black screen” issues that can occur if a receiver encounters unsupported H.265 streams.

2. Lower Processing Load & Power Consumption

• H.264 decoding requires less CPU/GPU power than H.265, which is important for in‑vehicle systems where thermal management and power draw matter.
• Reduced heat generation improves long‑term reliability in enclosed automotive installations.

3. Faster Channel Switching

• Lower codec complexity means quicker tune‑in and zapping times, which is noticeable when driving and switching between channels.

4. Better Performance in Weak Signal Conditions

• A 4‑antenna diversity system can combine signals from multiple antennas to mitigate multipath fading and Doppler effects common in moving vehicles.
• Since H.264 streams typically run at slightly lower compression efficiency than H.265, they can be more forgiving in marginal reception areas — fewer visible artifacts when bit errors occur.

5. Lower Latency

• H.264 decoding pipelines generally have shorter end‑to‑end delay than H.265, which is beneficial for live events, navigation overlays, or synchronized multimedia in the car.

6. Cost Efficiency

• H.264‑only chipsets are cheaper and more mature, reducing BOM (Bill of Materials) cost for the receiver.
• No need to license H.265/HEVC patents, which can lower manufacturing costs.

7. Proven Ecosystem & Stability

• H.264 DVB‑T2 receivers have been deployed for over a decade, so firmware, tuner modules, and demodulator ICs are well‑tested and stable.
• Easier integration with existing in‑car infotainment systems.

Why 4‑Antenna Diversity Matters

• Improved SFN (Single Frequency Network) reception: Many DVB‑T2 networks use SFN, and diversity reception helps resolve overlapping signals from multiple transmitters.
• Reduced dropouts at high speed: Essential for highway or urban driving where signal reflections change rapidly.
• Better fringe‑area coverage: Extends usable reception range before picture/audio degradation.