A Brief History
Like the UK and Turkey, German Austrian and Swiss channels have always included their top broadcasting for free. In the German Language, over recent years there have been a string of offerings which have been … less than successful.
Sky Deutschland goes on and on, more expensive than ever and now most of the UK sellers have stopped supplying, but if you can purchase in Germany, I can install it for you.
The oddly named FreeNet – a subscription service ! was unable to build up a sufficient number of customers and is to close at the end of the year.
HD+ which is still thriving and offers its channels with or without the Bundesliga – a big draw as it is a huge saving over Sky Deutschland for Football.
Diveo which only launched in 2018, failed despite a very promising looking programme schedule , it closed its doors in Nov 2019. HD+ gained some customers from Diveo with a good offer, making their platform more stable.
Services from Germany are however on the move, in November 2020 it was announced that many of the SD ( standard definition ) channels are to be upgraded to HD by the end of the year and the SD channels will eventually close. So make sure you have an HD or UHD box for your German reception by then…. or it will be a blank screen !
Astra Satellite Group Welcomes New Satellite & Reaffirms Commitment to German TV
The Astra satellite group has welcomed a new addition to its fleet, Astra 1P, further strengthening its position as a leading provider of satellite television services. The expansion comes as major German television channels prepare to transition from standard definition (SD) to high definition (HD) broadcasting in 2025, highlighting the ongoing commitment of German broadcasters to satellite coverage.
Schedule in 2025
Astra satellites are expected to remain a key platform for German television for at least the next 15 years.1 The transition to HD will begin on January 7, 2025, with ARD and Das Erste ending their SD transmissions on Astra 1.2 Other prominent German channels, including ZDF, ZDFinfo, ZDFneo, 3sat, and KiKA, will follow suit later in 2025.2 This shift towards HD reflects the industry’s focus on delivering a superior viewing experience.3
Viewers currently using SD satellite receivers will need to upgrade to HD-compatible models to continue enjoying these channels.2 However, existing satellite dishes and LNBs can remain unchanged, making the upgrade process relatively straightforward.2
The Astra group’s long-standing role in European television broadcasting, coupled with its recent expansion, ensures its continued relevance in the evolving media landscape. The addition of Astra 1P enhances the group’s ability to deliver a wide array of channels, while its high availability provides viewers with a reliable television experience.4 This ongoing commitment to satellite broadcasting underscores its importance in delivering high-quality content to German audiences for years to come.
Spacex Launch Facilities
Astra 1P was launched by SpaceX, signaling the company’s growing involvement in the satellite television industry. The next launch in the Astra series, Astra 1Q, is scheduled for 2027 and will further enhance the group’s capabilities.
Recommended Receivers for German TV in HD
I will put my recommended receivers on this page eventually, but meantime just drop me an email for a list of the most popular receivers that I install.
info@satellitetveurope.co.uk


German made Technisat make the S6 (HD) and the Digiplus (UHD) receivers for German tv.