The end of analog transmission via satellite
By 30 April 2012 at the latest all television broadcasters in Germany will cease analog transmission via satellite ASTRA 19.2°E. From that point forward all programs transmitted by satellite will only be available in digital form.
Anyone still using analog satellite signals from ASTRA, either through direct reception or through a cable feed, will need to act soon. Digital program signals are already being transmitted. Be aware, though, that when operating a cable feed, the cable retransmission rights must be attained from the corresponding collecting society or broadcasters.
How can you determine whether you're still receiving analog TV at all? Switch to Das Erste, ProSieben, RTL, SAT.1 or ZDF and open video text page 198. If you see a German-language notice there about the switch-off of analog satellite signals, then you're still receiving analog signals. If you see the message "Sie empfangen bereits digital", then there is no need for further action.
To receive digital broadcasting, you'll need either a digital-ready receiver (known as a set-top box) or a TV with an integrated DVB-S receiver (IDTV) and a universal LNB in the center of the satellite dish. Analog programs are currently broadcast in the so-called low band range (10.7-11.75 GHz), and older LNBs (12+ years) can only receive in that frequency band. Digital programs are primarily transmitted on the high-band range (11.8 - 12.75 GHz). For this reason a universal LNB capable of receiving both frequency bands is required to receive digital programming.
If you want to receive HDTV programming you'll also need a corresponding HDTVcompatible satellite receiver. New televisions with integrated DVB-S receivers are typically already HDTV-compatible.
klardigital 2012 is an initiative of the Federal State Media Authorities in cooperation with ARD, Mediengruppe RTL Deutschland, ProSiebenSat.1 Media AG, VPRT and ZDF.
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