The view on screens in Czech households is changing again this morning. At 10 AM, technicians from České Radiokomunikace (CRA) activated two new broadcasting slots, designated Test-1 and Test-2, within digital network 23. This step represents another phase of expanding the offerings within terrestrial digital broadcasting, which remains the dominant way of content consumption in the country.
The preparation of new positions follows a dynamic period this autumn, when the multiplex capacity began to fill with specific stations. Since the beginning of September 2024, programs JOJ Family and CS Mystery have been stably broadcasting on previously launched test positions. The current new development thus signals the arrival of additional, as yet unspecified, television channels, for which CRA has now technically “cleared” space in the airwaves.
Multiplex 23 strengthens its capacity by launching two new test positions intended for additional television programs.
Stability of Terrestrial Broadcasting in the Czech Republic
Although the video distribution market is constantly evolving, the DTT (Digital Terrestrial Television) standard maintains a unique position in the Czech environment. According to CRA data, the signal from their networks currently covers 99% of the population of the Czech Republic. This technological availability ensures that virtually everyone who owns a television with a suitable antenna and tuner can access the newly deployed stations without having to pay monthly subscription fees.
The importance of the terrestrial platform is underscored by the fact that it is actively used by every second Czech household. For television station operators, inclusion in CRA networks thus represents a strategic step to ensure maximum possible reach. Multiplex 23 is not just about linear broadcasting, but forms a gateway to modern technologies that connect traditional television with the internet.
Terrestrial television broadcasting in the Czech Republic is actively used by 50% of all households.
Interactivity via the Red Button
The new Test-1 and Test-2 positions, like existing stations in the MUX 23 network, will benefit from HbbTV standard support. Viewers will thus gain access to interactive services and Video on Demand (VoD) content via the so-called red button. This hybrid model allows televisions to offer supplementary functions, program archives, or targeted advertising directly within the TV interface.
Utilizing digital network 23 brings several key advantages to television entities:
Nationwide coverage — ensuring signal for almost the entire population of the Czech Republic.
High reach — access to dozens of the most watched television programs within a single platform.
Interactive services — the possibility of connecting linear broadcasting with HbbTV functions.
Viewer accessibility — wide distribution without the need for cable or satellite connections.
Future of New Program Positions
Behind the current expansion stands Marcel Procházka, who holds the position of Chief Legal & Regulatory Officer at CRA. He confirmed that today at 10 AM was a pivotal moment for the launch of the test mode. Although the positions are prepared for specific new television programs, their exact names and dates of official launch have not yet been announced by the company.
The question remains how quickly the test slots will be filled with real content. The experience from September, when JOJ Family and CS Mystery stations firmly established themselves in the multiplex, suggests that the deployment of new entities could follow within weeks. For viewers, what matters at this moment is that their program offerings will soon expand again with additional free channels.