Tele 5 considers joining HD+

chris

German movie channel Tele 5 is considering distributing its programmes in high definition on SES Astra’s encrypted HDTV platform HD+ for which viewers have to pay a reception fee.

“We are currently in discussions with the Astra subsidiary HD Plus regarding possible future scenarios,” Christof Wegenast, deputy managing director of the free-to-air broadcaster, told German industry publication Digitalmagazin. “However, we would only realistically start in two to three years, when enough HD material would be available and by then there will hopefully be a uniform HD standard.”

Regarding the necessary refinancing of the additional costs, Wegenast said: “It can’t be forgotten in this connection that expensive satellite capacity must be purchased for an HD channel, without additional advertising income being generated through it. With its programme structure, Tele 5 is in fact the ideal HD channel, as in our view movies profit the most from the improved picture quality. We don’t believe talk shows, court room programmes, telenovelas or cooking shows have any real benefit to be gained from HD for the viewer.”

Tele 5 recently implemented the technical requirements necessary for HD transmissions through a new playout, distribution and archive solution from SES Astra’s subsidiary APS Astra Platform Services. “Technically, we are in a position to start immediately,” said Wegenast.


Source:RapidTVNews