MTV Networks Germany and the sports broadcaster DSF are talking to SES Astra about joining the HD+ platform for the German speaking market, according to a report in the Süddeutsche Zeitung.
The HD+ platform is set for launch on November 1 with two channels from the RTL Group, RTL HD and Vox HD. Three channels will follow them from ProSiebenSat.1 in January next year. HD+ is the new platform launched by SES-Astra to accommodate HD simulcasts of commercial broadcasters.
There is already a pan-European MTV HD channel available, which could benefit from further distribution on HD+; as yet there is no HD version available from DSF. Other German private broadcasters are also said to be in discussions about joining the platform.
The first five HD+ receivers will hit German retail outlets before the end of the year. Three manufacturers – Technisat, Technotrend and Humax – are ready to deliver the sets, which have an integrated HD+ card reader.
About Robert Briel
"In an industry that experiences rapid change and often a confusing subsequent
constant supply of news, it is often refreshing to read an insightful perspective. Broadband
TV News and its editorial team regularly provide a context and
helpful analysis to breaking news.”
Broadband TV News is the must-read publication for those working in the Business of the Multiscreen Television. We deliver news, insight and data direct to your desktop. As well as our constantly updated website you can sign-up to our Daily and Weekly email bulletins. 
Connected TV Forecasts NEW REPORT. The number of TV sets connected to the Internet will reach 551 million by 2016 for the 40 countries covered in this report from Digital TV Research, up from 124 million at end-2010. The report states that this translates to 20% of global TV sets by 2016, up from only 6% at end-2010. Published in November 2011, this 83-page PDF report is the most geographically comprehensive to ever be published.