Searching for and saving DTT channels

Published on 13 May 2025

  • Television

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    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.

    Whetheryou're an individual or a professional, in order to update all the TV channels you receive, you need to "rescan" or search and memorize the channels.

     

    I am a private individual

    Follow the steps

    I am a professional

    Follow the steps

    I am a private individual

    Good news!

    For most TV sets, DTT channel search and memorization will be carried out automatically or offered when your TV is switched on for the first time, as of June 6, 2025.

    Specify your reception mode and follow the steps :

    I receive DTT via an aerial socket connected to a satellite dish or cable.

    Follow the steps

    I receive DTT channels through my operator's "box".

    Follow the steps

    I receive DTT channels by satellite

    Follow the steps

    I receive DTT channels via the Internet (OTT) or an application

    Follow the steps

    DTT reception via a roof antenna

    1. Switch on your TV.
    2. On your remote control, press the "Menu" or "Home" button to access your TV's main menu.
    3. Go to the "Configuration" or "Channel settings" menu.
    4. Select the "Channel Search" function, which can also be summoned "Channel Installation" or "Add Channels".
    5. Then select the "Reinstall all channels" option, followed by "Automatic search". (Manual search is not recommended). Follow the on-screen instructions. You may be asked for your password. If so, enter it and continue. If you don't know it, enter 1234, 0000, 1111, 8888 or 9999 (the reset password is normally created when your receiver is first installed, or is indicated in your manual).
    6. Wait for the operation to finish. The channel search and memorization process may take several minutes.
    7. Once the search is complete, exit the menu, if necessary, using the "Exit", "Menu" or "TV" buttons to return to the DTT channels.
    8. Check the presence of channels: TF1 in 1, France 4 in 4, BFMTV in 13, LCI in 15, etc.

     

    If any channels are missing, your TV system may be incorrectly tuned. Start a new channel search and memorization, and call in an antenna technician if difficulties persist.

     

    Download the infographic: "how to search for your channels using a rake antenna?"

    Reception of DTT channels via an operator's "box".

    DTT channels should be updated automatically, without any action on your part.

    As of June 6, 2025, check the presence of the following channels: TF1 in 1, France 4 in 4, BFMTV in 13, etc.

    If you're missing channels, specific proceedings may be implemented by each ISP. Where appropriate, visit your ISP's website.

     

    Infographie de l'Arcom sur la recherche des chaînes de la TNT par box.

    Download the infographic: "How to search for your channels by box?"

    Satellite reception of DTT channels

    1. Switch on your TV set, and your satellite decoder if you have one.
    2. On your remote control, press the "Menu" or "Home" button to access the main menu of your TV or satellite decoder.
    3. Go to the "Configuration" or "Channel settings" menu.
    4. Select the "Channel search" function, which can also be summoned "Channel installation" or "Add channels".
    5. Then select the "Reinstall all channels" option, followed by "Automatic search". (Manual search is not recommended). Follow the on-screen instructions. You may be asked for your password. If so, enter it and continue. If you don't know it, enter 1234, 0000, 1111, 8888 or 9999 (the reset password is normally created when your receiver is first installed, or is indicated in your manual).
    6. Wait for the operation to finish. The channel search and memorization process may take several minutes.
    7. Once the search is complete, use the "Exit", "Menu" or "TV" buttons to return to the DTT channels.
    8. Check the channels: TF1 in 1, France 4 in 4, BFMTV in 13, LCI in 15, etc.

     

    Download the infographic: "How to search for your satellite channels?"

    Receiving DTT channels over the Internet (OTT) and applications

    No action is required on your part.

    The organization of channel presentations within your interface may be modified as of June 6, 2025.

    Frequently asked questions

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

    To find out more

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

    Two new services will be introduced on digital terrestrial television (DTT) in 2025:

    • T18 on channel 18
    • NOVO19 on channel 19

    To find out more

     

    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.

    Browse the page on DTT reception in apartment buildings

    In the event of occasional or recurring problems receiving digital terrestrial television (DTT) broadcasts, you can follow the steps outlined in this file to find a solution.

    What should I do if my DTT reception is poor?

    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.

    There is no need to contact Arcom for this type of diffusion.

    On the other hand, it appears that these broadcasts may pose a problem in terms of royalties.

    We recommend that you contact the Association of composers and music providers to protect copyright and royalties (Association des auteurs, compositeurs et éditeurs de musique - Sacem) to find out to what extent you can show TV channels, and under what conditions.

    Authorization to show audiovisuel programs

    Frequently asked questions

    Infographics from Arcom

    What can I do if my DTT reception is poor?

    In the event of occasional or recurring interference with the reception of digital terrestrial television broadcasts, you can follow the steps outlined in this file to find a solution.

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