Switzerland’s public radio and television broadcaster SRG SSR will transmit its TV channels solely in high definition (HD) via satellite in future.
The standard definition (SD) satellite distribution will be terminated on February 29, 2016. The affected channels are SRF 1, SRF zwei, SRF info, RTS Un, RTS Deux, RSI LA 1 and RSI LA 2.
The SRG channels have been simulcast in SD and HD format via satellite since February 29, 2012. Only SRF info is currently just offered in SD resolution. From March 2015, the information channel will also be provided in HD quality.
The majority of Swiss TV households already receive HD television, according to SRG SSR. Almost 15% of Swiss TV households have opted for DTH satellite reception.
SRG SSR uses Eutelsat’s Hot Bird satellite system at 13° East for its satellite distribution. The signals are encrypted in Viaccess for copyright reasons. Smartcards are only issued to Swiss citizens.
