German pubcasters ARD and ZDF plan to switch to DVB-T2 in 2017 with simulcasts ending in 2020.
The German broadcasters currently use DVB-T to broadcast their two main national channels as well as all regional ARD channels. The channels are available free-to-air.
“It is important for us that everyone can watch our programmes everywhere with the most simple and inexpensive reception equipment. For us terrestrial distribution is still the best way and will continue to be so,” according to ARD chairman and NDR director Lutz Marmor.
ZDF director Dr. Thomas Bellut added: “We are fully behind digital terrestrial. This way of distribution is a consumer friendly and free to use alternative for viewers, also available on mobile and portable devices. On DTT viewers can watch ZDF programming independent of third-party interests.”
The two public broadcasters also stressed that the frequency spectrum at 700 MHz should be preserved for broadcasting at least till 2020.
