Samsung will offer integrated access to German DTH satellite platform HD+ on all new QLED and Ultra HD TV sets sold in Germany from the end of March 2019.
With the solution, viewers don’t need additional hardware such as a set-top box, CI+ module or TVkey or a smartcard to receive the subscription platform offered by Astra satellite operator SES.
Two weeks ago, HD+ already announced a corresponding cooperation with Panasonic. With Samsung joining, almost every second Ultra HD TV set sold in Germany will have HD+ embedded in future.
The TV channels are received through the TV set’s integrated satellite tuner via Astra (19.2° East). The HD+ channels are decrypted by a conditional access and digital rights management system integrated into the TV sets. To activate and validate access, the TV set must be connected to the internet.
Significantly, if the buyer of the new TV set opts for HD+ during the initial installation, the TV manufacturer’s portal does not appear when the device is switched on, but the electronic programme guide from HD+ (see image).
The technical basis is the HbbTV Operator App (HbbTV OpApp) which enables platform operators to apply their own user interface to TV sets and set-top boxes. Third-party offers and apps remain available on the TV set when the HD+ option is selected, for example Sky Deutschland, Netflix or maxdome.
Users of the direct access will also be able to use additional functions such as ‘instant restart’ and direct access to catch-up TV services.
As with Panasonic, buyers of Samsung’s TV sets will be able to test HD+ for 6 months free of charge and without obligation. After the free period, the regular monthly price of €5.75 applies.
