IBC 2009 – Amsterdam. The Dutch DTH provider Canal Digitaal Satelliet has extended a transponder lease on the Astra position at 23.5 degrees East to expand its HD offer.
By making use of MPEG-4 technology, the operator hopes to add new HD channels to its line-up. The number of Dutch HD channels is growing rapidly, with RTL launching HD simulcasts of its main channels later this year.
Canal Digitaal, along with its Belgian sister company TV Vlaanderen, uses the 23.5 degrees position in combo with 19.2 degrees East. It is mainly used for thematic and HD channels for the two markets, in addition to the main channels on 19.2.
Astra also said the new Austrian free-to-air HD channel Servus TV HD will start on September 15. Servus TV HD is owned by the Red Bull company and replaces the old regional channel Salzburg TV.
