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TechniSat TV shows comparison: on the left SD with noise and OFF switch, on the right HD in high quality with ON switch.

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SD Switch-Off by ARD & ZDF:
What You Need to Know

Since January 2025, ARD has stopped broadcasting its channels via satellite in SD quality. Since then, Das Erste and the regional “Dritte” programmes are only available in HD. ZDF will follow shortly: starting November 18, 2025, ZDF channels will also be broadcast exclusively in HD quality.

Important: To continue watching ARD and ZDF, HD-compatible reception devices are required. TechniSat offers a full range of compatible televisions and receivers.

Don’t Have an HD Receiver Yet?

A channel scan can quickly determine whether your current devices support HD. If no HD channels appear in the list even after scanning, it’s time to upgrade. That’s where TechniSat TVs and receivers come in.

Modern TechniSat television displaying a vibrant HD image in a bright living room setting.

From HD to UHD: TechniSat Televisions

If you need to upgrade your TV due to the SD switch-off, TechniSat has the right solution. If desired, a direct switch to an Ultra HD TV (UHD) is also possible.

Discover televisions

TechniSat receiver on a wooden shelf in front of a TV displaying a nature scene. Receivers are part of the HD and UHD-compatible product lineup.

Reliable TV Companions: TechniSat Receivers

TechniSat offers a wide range of HD-capable receivers, equipped with numerous convenient features. Ultra HD receivers are also available in the extensive product portfolio.

Discover receivers

Need Assistance? For everything related to the HD transition, TechniSat’s specialist dealers offer expert advice on-site. Qualified local dealers can be easily located via the dealer search tool.

An arrow points from an old SD receiver to a new HD receiver, symbolising the required upgrade.

From SD to HD – Proven TechniSat Devices Replaced

Existing TechniSat SD devices can be easily replaced with similar HD-compatible models. A simple online tool helps identify the appropriate HD replacement for each SD model:

Step 1
Select device category:

Step 2
Select current TechniSat model:

TechniSat HD TV in a hotel room. Facilities like these also need to upgrade to HD.
For Clinics, Hotels, Retirement Homes and Multi-Dwelling Units:

Upgrade Now to an HD-Compatible Headend Station

Facilities such as clinics, hotels, senior residences, and multi-unit buildings are also affected by the SD switch-off of public broadcasters. Headend stations that can only receive SD quality must be replaced. TechniSat offers a straightforward solution for these cases with the TECHNINET BS7

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Receive and distribute up to 100 TV and radio channels in HD via satellite into the existing cable network
Compact design allows for space-saving installation; mounting is possible in almost any location
Easy upgrade: the old headend station is replaced by an installer with the TECHNINET BS7
Pre-programmed with over 100 TV and radio channels; customization is easily possible
Lower energy costs due to reduced power consumption compared to older headend systems
Built-in heat sinks ensure effective thermal management and long service life
TechniSat consultant advises a customer about HD upgrade options in a friendly atmosphere.

Schedule a Free Consultation Today

To avoid shortages of installers or product availability, it is recommended to switch to the TECHNINET BS7 headend station as soon as possible. TechniSat’s satellite TV specialists are ready to assist with their expertise and can help connect you with reliable installation partners.

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TechniSat TV TECHNILINE 32 ISI 2 on a wooden cabinet. The screen displays the intuitive and easy-to-use menu.

Tip: The Ideal TV for Hotels, Clinics and Retirement Homes

For all types of facilities, the TECHNILINE 32 ISI 2 is the ideal TV for the HD transition. This Full HD smart TV offers excellent picture quality, an 80 cm (32-inch) screen diagonal, and is especially user-friendly and easy to operate.

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FAQs zur SD-Abschaltung

More and more broadcasters will exclusively broadcast in HD in the future. For example, ZDF will end SD broadcasting via satellite on November 18, 2025. As with ARD, this affects a number of channels. Switch to HD and enjoy your usual programs plus the benefits of high-definition television.
The SD switch-off affects Das Erste, the regional Third Programs, and all ZDF channels. The Third Programs include BR, HR, MDR, NDR, Radio Bremen, RBB, SR, SWR, and WDR. For ZDF, the shutdown affects the main program as well as ZDFinfo, ZDFneo, 3sat, and KiKA. The jointly broadcast programs ARTE and Phoenix have been available in HD only since November 2022. To continue watching these channels, you will need HD-capable reception equipment, such as suitable TVs and/or receivers.

HD-capable devices (HD = High Definition) display significantly more pixels and thus provide much higher resolution. For comparison: ARD’s SD programs (SD = Standard Definition) are shown in 720 x 576 pixels, while HD programs are shown in 1280 x 720 pixels.
The SD switch-off of the public broadcasters also affects cable households. In theory, cable operators could choose to continue offering SD, but many providers are following the switch to HD and no longer feed ARD and ZDF channels in SD into their networks. In case of doubt, it is advisable to contact your cable provider directly.

If the channel logo or your TV’s program guide does not show 'HD', then you are watching in SD. In this case, run an automatic or manual channel search. If you still cannot find HD channels afterward, you will need new HD-capable reception equipment.
Broadcasting the same program in two different picture qualities generates significant costs. The extra expense for transponder rental, provision, monitoring, and maintenance of SD programs will be eliminated in the future for public broadcasters. Since the vast majority of German TV households already watch in HD, this step makes sense. The SD shutdown also benefits the environment, saving energy and directly reducing CO2 emissions. This effect is further enhanced because new TVs and receivers generally consume less power than older devices.

It depends: ARD and ZDF’s public television programs are broadcast via satellite unencrypted and are therefore free of charge. However, reception of private broadcasters in HD quality usually requires a subscription fee.

All reception parameters for HD reception via Astra at 19.2 degrees East

Do you want to start a manual search to find individual ARD channels in HD quality? Here we have all the parameters for the Astra satellite at 19.2 degrees East:

Transponder 19 / Downlink Frequency (GHz): 11.494
Polarization: horizontal / Symbol Rate (MSym/s): 22.0
Forward Error Correction (FEC): 2/3 / Modulation: DVB-S2 8-PSK
Transponder 25 / Downlink Frequency (GHz): 11.582
Polarization: horizontal / Symbol Rate (MSym/s): 22.0
Forward Error Correction (FEC): 2/3 / Modulation: DVB-S2 8-PSK
Transponder 21 / Downlink Frequency (GHz): 11.523
Polarization: horizontal / Symbol Rate (MSym/s): 22.0
Forward Error Correction (FEC): 2/3 / Modulation: DVB-S2 8PSK
Transponder 61 / Downlink Frequency (GHz): 10.891
Polarization: horizontal / Symbol Rate (MSym/s): 22.0
Forward Error Correction (FEC): 2/3 / Modulation: DVB-S2 8-PSK
Transponder 39 / Downlink Frequency (GHz): 11.053
Polarization: horizontal / Symbol Rate (MSym/s): 22.0
Forward Error Correction (FEC): 2/3 / Modulation: DVB-S2 8-PSK