Receive HD channels: What you need to know

How you can receive HD channels depends on the respective reception type. In this practical tip we have compiled for you how you can enjoy RTL, Pro7 and Co. in high-definition quality via cable, satellite, DSL and aerial.

Receive HD channels: This is how it works with the public broadcasters

HD stands for High Definition and thus for a high resolution of the picture. Compared to the standard resolution SD, HD images are more crisp and sharper. Gradually, all public service programmes are now being broadcast only in HD.

• Meanwhile, just about every channel is available in HD quality. This applies to both the public broadcasters and the private broadcasters.
• The public broadcasters are always available in HD quality, regardless of the reception mode. The broadcasting fee helps cover the costs. In addition, public service broadcasting has a basic service mandate.
• In short: ARD, ZDF and the third regional channels such as NDR, MDR, SWR, BR, HR or RBB as well as 3sat and Arte can always be received in HD quality. You do not need to book/buy an extra tariff or module for this.

How to watch private channels in HD

The situation is different for private channels such as RTL, Sat.1, Vox, Pro7 or Kabel1. To be able to enjoy the content in HD quality, you need a special module depending on the type of reception. These modules, which decode the signal, are subject to a charge.

• Cable connection: If you use cable television and want to receive high-definition television, you book a corresponding package with the respective cable provider. You pay a few euros per month for this. You will need an HD cable module to go with the package, which you can buy for example in electronics stores or online at Amazon.
• DSLTV: If you watch TV via the DSL line, you have usually booked a corresponding Internet tariff with a TV package with a provider. The TV package includes all channels in HD quality. The costs for such a tariff, which combines DSL, telephone and TV, are usually between 35 and 50 euros per month.
• Satellite TV: With satellite TV, you get the private channels in HD if you sign up for HD+. With the HD+ card, all HD channels can be activated. These modules are also available online or in retail stores and must be inserted into the satellite receiver.
• Important: The prerequisite for HD television via DSL is a sufficiently fast internet connection. If you live alone in a household, you can easily get by with 16 megabits per second. If several people are on the Internet at the same time, it should be at least 50 megabits per second.
• Antenna: FreenetTV offers HD via antenna. For this, you need a DVB-T2 HD module from FreenetTV. This will cost you around 90 euros a year.