German public broadcasters ARD and ZDF are planning a road map to the introduction of HD in the country. The Launch date will be the opening ceremony of the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, Canada. The introduction will take place gradually, with more showcase transmissions planned for this year. In 2009, the public broadcasters will have a single HD satellite transponder for use by all public broadcasters. At the end of 2011, both ARD and ZDF will each have their own HD transponder. For the time being, the public HD channels will only be available on satellite. Cable distribution is not foreseen until 2012.
