French free-to-view platform is to move all of its broadcasts to the MPEG-4 transmission standard by 2016.
The move comes ahead of the transition of DTT broadcasting to MPEG-4. It is anticipated the move will take place by the spring of 2016.
It means that any customers still using a standard definition receiver will have to upgrade to a unit capable of receiving HD (and MPEG-4) transmissions. Around 40 different models are available from approximately 8,000 retail outlets.
Fransat mirrors the DTT ‘TNT’ platform with 25 channels, 10 in HD, and the 24 regional variations from France 3. There are also additional local and thematic channels, radio stations and connected TV services.
The Eutelsat subsidiary is delivered from 5 degrees West.