September 17, 2024, 8:42 am | Read time: 3 minutes
Vodafone will switch off numerous TV channels starting in 2025. TECHBOOK explains the details and what those affected can do.
Technological progress in recent years has not only brought with it numerous new devices. As a result, many previously unknown functionalities and application possibilities. It was and still is one thing above all: something for the eye. Whether on a smartphone or when watching TV, many things are done with the help of screens. These screens deliver razor-sharp images like never before. This standard needs to be taken into account. With this in mind, Vodafone announced at IFA 2024 that it would be switching off numerous TV channels from 2025.
Overview
Vodafone wants to switch off TV channels in SD
This is according to a press release from the company. According to the press release, both Das Erste and the third channels will be broadcast exclusively in HD quality from January 7, 2025. This will coincide with ARD’s decision to stop broadcasting channels in poorer SD quality from the same date.
However, this changeover will not affect too many households. According to the Astra TV Monitor 2023, 93% of the 36 million households with TV access were already watching in HD quality last year. We can assume that this figure will have risen by 2024. Access to HD content is also generally widespread and easy.
What customers with old receivers should do now
According to the company, only “significantly less than two percent” of Vodafone’s cable customers still receive their TV programs exclusively in SD quality. This is due to outdated receivers still in circulation, some of which are more than twelve years old and mostly come from Kabel Deutschland or Unitymedia.
In addition, there are apparently still households that do not even have an HD-capable television set. Customers to whom this applies should, therefore, connect an HD receiver to the television via Scart. In principle, Vodafone will provide help and information on a designated service page to support any switch from SD to HD. However, those affected may need to make a small investment. It may be necessary to purchase an HD receiver.
If you are not sure whether you are already watching in HD or at least meet the requirements, a look at the current TV program should suffice. The addition “HD” usually appears in both the channel logo and the program name. If this is not the case at first, you should start a channel scan, ARD recommends. If there are still no HD channels to be found, you will need to purchase an HD-compatible device – a television and/or receiver.
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SD switch-off brings many advantages
The main advantage of the switchover from SD to HD is obvious, as customers benefit above all from significantly better picture quality. Concerning the HD program of the ARD channels, there is also the option of selecting “clear speech” for better comprehensibility.
The fact that Vodafone will be switching off numerous TV channels will also free up additional capacity in the German cable network. In the long term, this will allow more scope for network design. Among other things, this could lead to more performance and higher data rates.