[davemurgatroyd2]

ProsiebenHD and Sat 1 HD on Astra 19.2 ceased transmission last Saturday and will not restart for at least another two years.

Apparently the take up of FTA HD in Germany is not high enough and the channels are not viable. This leaves only two FTA HD channels and in a country that has had a far larger take up of FTA satellite over the last 20 years compared to the UK. What does this foretell for the HD market in the UK?

[Starburst]

It probably indicates that the UK with it's strong single PAY HD provider and state supported PSB broadcaster is the better combination.

The UK viewer has proved they are prepared to PAY for TV something other EU nations with more FTA content over the last 20 years are not prepared to do and therefore FTA commercial driven broadcasters (like our own ITV, Ch4 and Five) simply see little real profit coming from HD at this time.

[davemurgatroyd2]

Originally Posted by Starburst

It probably indicates that the UK with it's strong single PAY HD provider and state supported PSB broadcaster is the better combination.

The UK viewer has proved they are prepared to PAY for TV something other EU nations with more FTA content over the last 20 years are not prepared to do and therefore FTA commercial driven broadcasters (like our own ITV, Ch4 and Five) simply see little real profit coming from HD at this time.

There was a far greater take up of FTA satellite in Germany than the UK since very early analogue days alongside several Pay TV operators this is against the single pay TV operator and no publicity and very limited availability of FTA equipment in any UK store. Unless they can sell their own HD productions to other broadcasters outside the UK I can see a very slow growth of FTA HD satellite in this country (although I Hope I am wrong) with most quality HD appearing only on pay TV for the first few years.

[Chris Muriel]

Just as I posted (with quote from German Press) 4 days ago) :
Pro Sieben HDTV falters

Chris Muriel, Manchester

[davemurgatroyd2]

Originally Posted by Chris Muriel

Just as I posted (with quote from German Press) 4 days ago) :
Pro Sieben HDTV falters

Chris Muriel, Manchester

Sorry missed that one.