IFA 2009 – BERLIN. German public broadcasters ARD and ZDF want to switch off their analogue broadcasts over the Astra satellite in the first quarter of 2012, according to Fritz Raff, vice chairman of the ARD.
Speaking at the yearly technical update from the public broadcasters, Raff said that although the switch-off of analogue satellite broadcasts has been time and again been postponed during the past two years , a Q1 2012 date has now been decided. “Our main task will be to guide our viewers and inform them about the many possibilities to receive digital bouquets.”
Not surprisingly, Raff also made a point about the planned HD+ platform from Astra and some private broadcasters. “When all the signs are set on ‘Go”, we have the strong impression that the rapid market penetration of HDTV receivers of the past ten months will be slowed down by the plan of the private broadcasters to introduce an encrypted HD platform. It would be fatal if now confusion with the viewers would delay the introduction of HDTV. I urge all platforms and broadcasters not to endanger the introduction of HDTV by proposing consumer-unfriendly plans. ARD and ZDF will certainly continue to offer their channels unencrypted and at no extra cost.”