German media company ProSiebenSat.1 has announced plans to start broadcasts in the Ultra HD format in late summer 2018.
An initial two programmes, Galileo Spezial and Rosins Restaurants (pictured), will be available in UHD resolution and HDR.
The service will be transmitted in parallel with ProSiebenSat.1’s existing SD and HD channels on the Astra satellite system (19.2° East) via DTH platform HD+. The content can also be seen via web streaming and the Red Button (HbbTV).
Nicole Agudo Berbel, Chief Distribution Officer & EVP Digital Publishing at ProSiebenSat.1, said: “By broadcasting three reports from Abenteuer Leben in UHD via HbbTV last year, we have proven our innovation leadership in the digital segment. We are now expanding the distribution of UHD to more linear distribution channels. The higher resolution UHD, the high contrast range HDR and the expanded colour spectrum come into their own especially with documentary and reporting formats. We are certain that our viewers will be enthusiastic about it!”
RTL Deutschland launched a linear Ultra HD test channel on April 28, 2018 with coverage of the Formula 1 race from Baku in Azerbaijan. It’s gone on to show subsequent races and entertainment show Deutschland sucht den Superstar.
According to GfK, around 40% of TV sets sold back in 2017 were UHD capable.
