ZDF joins ARD in DVB-T2 transition

German public broadcaster ZDF will join its fellow PSB ARD in transitioning its channels’ terrestrial distribution to the new standard DVB-T2 in 2017.

The whole ZDF digital package will then be available via DTT, mirroring cable and satellite, according to Rapid TV News.

ZDF’s general director Thomas Bellut said, “This distribution method provides a consumer-friendly and free-of-charge alternative for TV content also on portable and mobile devices. It’s important to maintain this unique feature and further strengthen it through the transition. The system change will also lead to a considerable increase in quality.”

ZDF stresses that the channels are distributed via DTT free of charge for users and independent of the interests of third parties. According to the media authorities’ latest digitalisation report, 11 per cent of TV households in Germany receive DTT with the share rising to more than 20 per cent in urban areas.

According to ZDF, TV reception will remain free of charge for viewers following the transition to DVB-T2. However, they will need to purchase new reception devices as the DVB-T boxes and tuners currently in use are not suitable for DVB-T2.