Around 17 million people in Germany receive ARD channels via satellite. But soon they will all only have one signal in HD. What this means for viewers.
The time has come: From January 7, 2025, ARD will no longer broadcast its programs via satellite in standard definition (SD). From this point on, Das Erste and all third-party channels of the regional broadcasting corporations will only be available in high definition (HD). This also affects cable users, who usually have to switch to HD reception. Here is the most important information about the changeover.
How do you recognize HD channels?
It is possible to check whether you are already receiving your programs in HD quality or not. One indication of this is the addition of “HD” in the station name (for example “Das Erste HD”) or in the station symbol while the program is running. Some stations, such as hr or MDR, do not have an obvious HD reference in their station logo. The station overview can be used to determine whether you are watching the programs in HD or SD quality. If there is no corresponding information, a station search is recommended. If HD reception is still not possible after this, it may be necessary to purchase an HD-capable television or receiver.
To receive HD quality, you need a suitable device. A television or receiver that supports the DVB-S2 standard is suitable for this. A channel search can be started either manually or automatically via the menu on the television or receiver. It should be noted that an automatic search checks all broadcast frequencies and adds new HD programs, but can also reset the sorting of the programs or favorites lists. A manual search offers the option of retaining the personal sorting.
Why are ARD and third channels only broadcasting in HD?
As early as 2016, the so-called KEF (Commission for the Determination of the Financial Requirements of Broadcasting Corporations) asked the ARD to stop broadcasting the SD signal. Since 2019, the costs for this have no longer been included in the KEF's financial planning.
With the switch to HD, viewers benefit from improved picture quality, particularly sharper images and stronger colors, as well as improved sound quality. In addition, the ARD HD programs feature the “Clear Speech” soundtrack, which improves the amount of speech in the sound.
The complete ARD program package is made available to viewers unencrypted and in HD at no additional cost. If you are unsure of the quality of your own channel, you can check the reception quality using the info button on the remote control. The current channel is displayed with an HD addition, provided the program is already being received in HD quality.
What does the change mean for viewers
In short: From January 7, 2025, ARD will only broadcast its programs in HD quality. As a viewer, you should make sure that your receiving devices are HD compatible and, if necessary, start a channel search to ensure that you can continue to enjoy all ARD programs in the best quality.
Cable customers may also be affected by the changeover. The ARD FAQs on the shutdown state: “The cable network operators decide for themselves whether to continue or stop SD transmission. Some cable network operators have already announced that they will also end SD transmission of ARD programs on January 7, 2025.” Vodafone, for example, has announced this step; around eleven million people in Germany receive their television programs from its cable network.
By (fski/spot)
