Vodafone Deutschland will discontinue the standard definition (SD) distribution of ARD channels on its cable network from January 7, 2025, switching to a purely HD distribution. This change will affect ARD's general interest service Das Erste and ARD's regional channels.
On the same date, ARD will also stop broadcasting its channels in SD on the Astra satellite system (19.2° East). Vodafone reports that over 11 million of its cable TV customers already use HD reception, with fewer than 2% utilizing TV receivers that only support SD resolution.
"These are TV receivers from Kabel Deutschland or Unitymedia that are more than 12 years old," said Vodafone.
For customers unable to receive HD channels, Vodafone will offer support and information on the switchover on a dedicated service page, providing assistance ahead of the transition. Vodafone intends to mainly use the freed-up capacity from switching off SD channels to enhance performance and data rates for internet access via the cable network.