FAQ - Television

On January 9, 2025, Arcom adopted a new numbering system for national TV channels broadcast on digital terrestrial television (DTT), to take into account the forthcoming arrival of the new T18 and OFTV services, authorized on December 11, and Canal+'s decision to stop broadcasting on DTT.

Arcom has adopted a new numbering system to integrate the new channels T18 (channel 18) and OFTV (channel 19).

A Rescan (or channel scan) automatically searches for DTT channels.

The new channel numbering is as follows:

On June 6, 2025, a new numbering system for digital terrestrial television (DTT) channels will be introduced on the DTT platform and transferred to other distribution channels (broadband, fiber, satellite, cable, etc.).

On DTT, a channel search and memorization operation is required to receive the entire supply on your TV set with effect from this date.

On other networks, this search may or may not be performed automatically.

To carry out this operation, Arcom invites you to follow the steps below.

I am an individual

I am a professional

On June 6, 2025, a new numbering system for digital terrestrial television (DTT) channels will be introduced on the DTT platform and transferred to other distribution channels (broadband, fiber, satellite, cable, etc.).

On DTT, a channel search and memorization operation is required to receive the entire supply on your TV set with effect from this date.

On other networks, this search may or may not be performed automatically.

To carry out this operation, Arcom invites you to follow the steps below.

I am an individual

I am a professional

On June 6, 2025, a new numbering system for digital terrestrial television (DTT) channels will be introduced on the DTT platform and transferred to other distribution channels (broadband, fiber, satellite, cable, etc.).

On DTT, a channel search and memorization operation is required to receive the entire supply on your TV set with effect from this date.

On other networks, this search may or may not be performed automatically.

To carry out this operation, Arcom invites you to follow the steps below.

I am an individual

I am a professional

Viewers, please find below the contact details (websites and/or phone lines) of the main manufacturers:

Televisions

Television - Samsung
Phone number: 01 48 63 00 00
Monday to Saturday, 09h to 20h
Website: https: //www.samsung.com/fr

Television - LG
Phone number: 0800 99 55 55
Monday to Friday 9am to 7pm, Saturday 9am to 1pm
Website: https: //www.lg.com/fr/support/contactez-nous

Television - Sony
Phone number: 01 55 69 51 27
Monday to Friday 9H00 - 18H00
Website : https://www.sony.fr

Television - Panasonic
Phone number: 01 70 48 91 73
Monday to Friday 9H00 - 17H00
Website: https: //www.panasonic.com/fr/consumer/nous-contacter.html

Television - Hisense
Phone number: 01 76 49 05 05
Website: https: //hisense.fr/contactez-nous

Television - TCL
Website: https: //www.tcl.com/fr/fr/support-tv

Television - Thomson
Telephone: 01 87 16 13 98 / 02 38 14 30 86
Website: https: //www.mythomson.com/fr_fr/sav-325-fr-fr

Television - LOEWE
Website: https: //www.loewe.tv/fr/contact

Television - PHILIPS
Phone number: 01 57 32 40 50
Monday to Friday 8am - 8pm
Saturday 9am - 6pm

Television - VESTEL
Phone number: 01 46 75 00 29

Television - HAIER
Telephone: 09 80 40 64 09

Television - SCHNEIDER
Telephone: 03 20 16 31 95

Television - JVC
Phone number: 01 80 04 45 00

Television - BRANDT
Phone number: 01 88 37 22 30
Monday to Friday 8am to 6pm and Saturday 8am to 5pm)

Television - GRUNDIG
Telephone: 0892 47 10 15 (€0.80/min).

Adapters

DTT adapter - Alden
Phone number: 0 820 025 525
Website: https://www.alden.fr/copie-de-formulaire

DVB-T adapter - Astrell
Phone: 0 899 700 499
By e-mail: contact@astrelltnt.com

DTT adapter - Cahors
Phone: 05 65 20 83 40
Website : https://www.groupe-cahors.com/fr-france/contact.html

DTT adapter - Terms and conditions
Phone number: 0 892 020 009
By mail: commercial@cgv.fr

DTT adapter - Metronic
Phone number: 0 892 350 315
Mail: hotline@metronic.com

DTT adapter - Optex
Phone number: 0 825 056 260
By mail: support@groupe-normand.com

DTT adapter - Servimat
Telephone: 0 899 707 205

DTT adapter - Strong
Mail: strongfranceservice@strong.tv

DVB-T adapter - Thomson
Telephone: 0 809 102 020

DTT adapter - Tonna
Telephone: 03 25 21 66 87
Website: https: //tonna.fr

Yes, we recommend that you check your equipment settings and follow the instructions specific to your reception mode.

To do this, Arcom invites you to follow the steps below.

I am a private individual

I am a professional

Yes, an interruption in Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) broadcasting is scheduled to take place as of 1 a.m. on the night of June 6, 2025. The technical operation is initially scheduled to take place between 1 a.m. and 2 a.m., but is expected to last only 15 minutes.

Canal+ has deferred the introduction of the new DTT channel numbering until June 10, 2025, unlike other distributors who apply it from June 6.

In some cases, an indoor antenna may be all you need to receive DTT.

However, it is impossible to guarantee perfect reception quality with this type of antenna, as frequency planning models and transmitter power have not been designed for this type of reception.

If you're in an area covered by DTT, you can theoretically receive DTT with a collective outdoor antenna.

You should demand a diagnosis from an antenna specialist. The latter may be obliged to work on the collective antenna. This should not cost very much.

However, condominium managers or HLM building management companies have no particular legal obligation to provide DTT reception.

The following rules apply to the installation of a new rake antenna or the adaptation of an existing one to receive DTT channels:

• if the building has a maintenance contract for the collective antenna, the work can be carried out at the request of the property manager or trustee. The cost will be charged to the co-ownership or rental charges (HLM, ILM);
• if the building does not have a maintenance contract, the work must be approved by the general meeting, like any other condominium-related expense, and borne by the condominium owners through cost breakdown. In the case of a similar operation, it is the sole responsibility of the HLM building manager to ensure that the costs are also borne by the tenants through breakdown.

The encryption of channels or certain programs shown by satellite is generally linked to rights issues (particularly for sporting events or cinematographic works). Channels buy the rights to broadcast these programs for specific territories (e.g., a sports broadcast only for France), and to ensure that the signal is only received in the territory for which the rights exist, the signal is scrambled and requires equipment.

This situation has prevailed in the past, but is more likely to occur with HD diffusion, as contracts for the acquisition of diffusion rights are increasingly strict to ensure better exploitation of these rights and to fight piracy.

Frequencies are planned according to international rules, i.e. with an outdoor antenna 10 m above ground level. The signal received by your indoor antenna is inevitably attenuated by walls or roofs and all the electrical circuits and materials they contain.

If you use an indoor antenna, you're not giving yourself the best chance of good reception. The state cannot therefore launch a costly survey to improve reception. This naturally also applies to the use of an attic antenna.

If the problem persists with the use of an outdoor antenna located at a height of more than 10 m, if reception was satisfactory before the problem arose and if your installation has been checked by a professional, then the request for intervention is justified.

1626 transmitters show DTT channels. Their diffusion characteristics have been defined by Arcom to ensure that as many people as possible can enjoy digital TV under the best possible conditions.

8 multiplexes - R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7 and R8 - are used to show free-to-air and pay national DTT channels. The R5, R7 and R8 multiplexes are gradually being installed on all transmitters (DTT high-definition rollout).

In a given area, if the same broadcaster is not chosen by all multiplex operators, it is possible for DTT to be shown by two transmitter masts, but these must not be too far apart to avoid viewers having to install a dubbed antenna.

Arcom does not have the power to require channels to be on the same transmitter. Arcom controls the transmitter characteristics supplied by operators. It approves the proposed sites after checking that they guarantee coverage equivalent to that of television.

You need to download the request form, have it completed by a reception professional and send it to the Agence nationale des fréquences (ANFR) at the address indicated on the form.

The ANFR should then launch an investigation. If it is indeed a case of interference due to the cause you indicate, the agency will demand that the installer of the wind turbines carry out the necessary work or provide you with the equipment you need to guarantee good TV reception.

If you already receive cable or satellite TV, you can ask your operator about this.

When it comes to satellite channel diffusion, the Fransat website will give you precise information on the programs shown.

How do I watch satellite TV?

In border regions, it is sometimes possible to receive all or part of foreign programs (German, Swiss, Luxembourgish, Italian, etc.) via the "rake" antenna. These programmes are shown on transmitters located outside French territory, over which Arcom has no control. Reception of these programs in France is due solely to the permeability of borders to electromagnetic waves. They cannot therefore claim a guarantee of continuity of service. Reception of these programs may require professional installation of a second external antenna, which may interfere with reception of French programs.

Mobile reception, i.e. on a TV set in motion, as may be the case in a private vehicle, is not currently made provision for in France.

However, in certain cases, you can receive DTT in your parked vehicle with a simple rake antenna and an adapter.

However, it is impossible to guarantee perfect reception quality with this type of antenna, as the frequency planning model and transmitter power have not been designed for this type of reception.

In fact, frequencies are planned according to international rules, i.e. with an outdoor antenna, 10 m above ground level. The signal received by your antenna at a lower height is therefore weaker, and may not be sufficient to guarantee correct DTT reception.

The norm used to show high-definition programs is MPEG-4 H.264 part 10.

The management of amateur radio operators and the regulations applicable to them are the responsibility of the Agence nationale des fréquences.

Your reception equipment may have been fitted with amplifiers to improve TV reception, some of which are not very frequency-selective. However, the French government may be deploying a new communications network for its security services, using radio resources close to the channels used for television. This network complies with spectrum usage norms, but is likely to interfere with amplifiers that are not sufficiently selective. If this is the case, filter your installation.

A telephone number in case of interference

Almost all cases of interference have been linked to saturation of receiving equipment. Indeed, the proximity of such transmitters using bands previously dedicated to television and DTT reception can cause the latter to be "dazzled".

In the event of proven interference, the most effective solution is to install a suitable filter in the reception system.

Viewers whose audiovisual reception is subject to interference from such transmitters, using bands previously dedicated to television, should first contact the Agence Nationale des Fréquences call center on 09 70 818 818 (Monday to Friday, 8am to 7pm, local call rate). They will then receive the explanations and advice they need to solve their problem.

More detailed explanations of the processes involved in this unprecedented cohabitation of DTT with such transmitters using bands previously dedicated to television can be found on the Internet at www.recevoirlatnt.fr.

If you have a problem with your cable, satellite, broadband or fiber TV reception, we advise you to contact your service provider or installer directly.

If you're having trouble receiving TV via your rake antenna, use the My DTT coverage application  (in french) to check that the area of your home is covered and that your installation is aimed at the right DTT transmitter.

If the problem persists, you can :

• Fill in the Agence nationale des fréquences (ANFR) complaint form: www.recevoirlatnt.fr

Summon the ANFR reception protection call center on 09 70 81 88 18 (toll-free), open Monday to Friday, 9am to 12pm and 1pm to 5pm.

The right to an aerial guarantees everyone living in France the possibility of installing an individual aerial to receive television broadcasts, as affirmed by both the French courts and the European Court of Human Rights.

How do I install an antenna?

• Informing the building owner or association: Anyone wishing to install an antenna must send a registered letter with acknowledgement of receipt to the building owner or association. This letter must include an installation plan, a certificate of compliance with technical and safety norms (provided by an antenna specialist), and a list of the radio and/or television services required.
• Response time: Once the request has been received, the property manager has three months to respond. He can either accept the installation, propose a connection to a collective antenna or oppose the installation on serious grounds (for example, if the services are already available by cable, or for reasons of public safety or aesthetics).
• No response: If the property manager does not respond within three months, the installation may proceed without further formality.

Connection to the cable network :
Condominium owners must pay their share of the cost of maintaining the condominium's cable network, even if they do not subscribe to a television supply. However, the syndic cannot force a co-owner to get a TV contract. The final court of appeal has ruled against a syndic who imposed a contract on his co-owners (Law no. 66-457 of July 2, 1966, decree no. 67-1171 of December 22, 1967).

The law of July 9, 2004 introduced a legislative guarantee into the law of September 30, 1986, to enable households that no longer have access to a rake antenna to continue receiving terrestrial channels.

Article 34-1 of the law enshrines the right to so-called "antenna service" for households in apartment buildings whose internal distribution network is no longer connected to a conventional antenna for reception of programs shown on terrestrial hertzian channels, but to a coaxial cable distribution network. This article enables these viewers to continue receiving terrestrial channels broadcast in analog mode, whether national or local, public or private. The channels concerned are TF1, France 2, France 3, Canal+, France5/Arte, M6, as well as authorized local channels received in the area. Distribution must also include France 4, as well as free DTT channels.

In addition, article 45-3 of the same law requires distributors to make La Chaîne parlementaire programs available free of charge to all their users.

Distribution of these channels cannot therefore be made conditional on subscription to a commercial supply. In particular, article 34-1 makes provision for the installation, maintenance or replacement of the building's internal distribution network as the only costs to be taken into account for the antenna service.

Your demand concerning the management of a network by a local authority falls within the competence of Arcom, which only deals with the service supplies proposed by the distributor.

For any questions relating to network operation, please contact the French regulatory authority for electronic communications, post and press distribution (Arcep).

TV channels and radio stations are responsible for the content of the programs they show. They are free to decide which programs to air, depending on the audience they wish to reach and the diffusion rights they have acquired, as long as they abide by their legal obligations. Arcom does not intervene in their programming.

To exercise your right of reply to radio and TV broadcasters, you can contact the channel or station concerned directly(click here to access the directory of operators). For all other questions and comments relating to the content of a program or its programming, you can contact the viewer and listener relations departments directly. You can find the contact details of these mediation services for the main national channels via the link below.

Arcom is not empowered to intervene in commercial disputes between an operator and a user, whether concerning the conditions of subscription or termination of a contract, or the quality of the service provided.

We invite you to contact the local government department responsible for consumer protection.