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.
