Shortly after New Year's Eve is the end: No more SD television on ARD
Television in SD has long since ceased to be a topic for most people: HD is now widely available. This is why ARD will soon stop broadcasting its SD programmes.
At the moment, you can still receive and watch ARD TV programmes in SD resolution via satellite. However, this will soon come to an end: it has been known for some time that SD television via satellite transmission has an expiry date. ARD had already ended the SD transmission of some programmes, such as Phoenix, Arte and Tagesschau 24, in 2022. At the same time, it announced that it would no longer broadcast a satellite signal in low SD resolution from 2025.
The switch-off date is now approaching: from 7 January, it will no longer be possible to receive SD programmes. ARD has also recently started pointing this out in the EPG, the television's electronic programme guide.
Requirements for the reception of HD signals
What does this mean for you if you want to continue watching ARD programmes via satellite? You need an HD television with an integrated DVB-S2 receiver or an external receiver that supports DVB-S2.
This standard for satellite transmission of digital television signals was introduced in 2005 and is now widely used. It transmits HD and UHD signals and therefore offers better picture and sound quality. Most current televisions and receivers support the standard. If your device has a DVB-S2 module, you are on the safe side.
The ARD recommends the purchase of an appropriate receiver. You'll find what you're looking for in our range here.
If you use an HD device, you can use the special audio track "clear speech" for many ARD programmes. This is helpful if you have problems understanding dialogue due to the film music or during action-packed scenes. The background noise is reduced and the speech is emphasised.
The ZDF offers longer transition periods
ZDF will continue to offer SD television for a little longer. The switch-off is planned for 18 November 2025. The broadcaster justifies the switch-off with the fact that the SD signal is hardly used anymore. ZDF and ARD had both broadcast both SD and HD signals for around 15 years. The discontinuation of SD television will save the broadcasters money. Private television broadcasters are also in the process of switching over and will gradually stop offering SD programmes.
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