German transmitter network operator Media Broadcast has started the information campaign for the transition of digital terrestrial TV broadcasting from DVB-T to successor standard DVB-T2/HEVC.
Using the slogan There’s something in the air, the DVB-T2 platform operator informs consumers and retailers in print, online, radio and social media about the possibilities, advantages and channel lineup of the new DTT system.
Information is also provided on Media Broadcast’s stand 6 in hall 11.1 at consumer electronics fair IFA 2015 in Berlin and on the new website www.dvb-t2-news.de.
With DVB-T2, HD channels will become available terrestrially in Germany for the first time, many of them in Full HD mode (1080p/50) and therefore in better resolution than on cable and satellite.
The lineup will contain 40 to 45 channels, for example Das Erste HD, ZDF HD, RTL HD, Sat.1 HD and ProSieben HD. The public broadcasters’ channels will be unencrypted and free of charge while the two large commercial TV groups RTL and ProSiebenSat.1 will encrypt the HD versions of their free-to-air channels like on other transmission platforms and charge viewers a monthly reception fee.
Further channels and offerings will get to viewers’ TV screens via the internet (HbbTV) including Media Broadcast’s OTT service multithek and thematic channels.
The DVB-T2 platform will launch in urban areas in May/June 2016 with the transition to be completed in mid-2019. Trials are currently taking place in Berlin, Munich and Cologne/Bonn. For reception, a DVB-T2/HEVC-compliant device is required, recognisable through the DVB-T2 HD logo.
