Consumer electronics manufacturers have now ordered over one million smart cards for the German HD+ satellite platform, according to Stefan Vollmer, spokesperson for Astra Deutschland.
Eight months into the launch of the service, which brings HD versions of RTL, Sat.1, ProSieben, Vox and kabel eins on satellite, the new milestone has been reached. In May 2010, around 220,000 dedicated HD+ receivers were sold to consumers. At the moment, over 20 HD+ certified receivers are available and more are expected soon.
The growing acceptance of HD+ receivers is part of the popularity of HD with consumers; according to the latest GfK figures, one in three of all satellite receivers sold is an HD receiver. Since April, a special CI Plus module has been available for satellite reception of the HD+ platform for a fee of €79 including the smart card. With such a module, reception of the platform is possible with a TV set (either HD ready or Full HD) and integrated satellite tuner and CI Plus slot. Over 100,000 of these modules have been shipped to the trade.
“We are very pleased with the development of HD+, it has exceeded our expectations on all fronts,” said Wilfried Urner, chief executive of HD Plus GmbH, in a statement. “The positive feedback we have received across the board from our business partners is a great sign of confidence for our business model, as is the high demand for HD+. The development of HD+ receiver sales is very encouraging.”
