ARTE to go HD on Astra

[SAT-WORLD]

European cultural channel ARTE has moved forward plans to transmit its German language programmes in high definition. Until now the Strasburg-based broadcaster planned only to transmit its French language service in HD from July 1 via Astra (19.2° East), with the German language version to follow in September but has brought its plan forward.

ARTE has now decided to also simulcast its German version in HDTV on the Luxemburg-based satellite system from July 1. The broadcaster will screen productions in the fields of opera, concerts and theatre, amongst others, in high definition. The HDTV contingent will be continually increased until 2010. Material not produced in the new technology will be up-converted.

“As a cultural, quality broadcaster, HDTV represents a big opportunity for ARTE,” said Gottfried Langenstein, the channel’s president. “In particular for large stage productions such as theatre performances or opera, the old analogue screens with small picture sizes were always an impediment and weren’t capable of getting across the atmosphere. On an HDTV flat screen set with large picture dimensions cultural events are conveyed with all their fascination. That goes also for scientific documentaries and European cinema. We are pleased that, as one of the first broadcasters in Europe, ARTE can now make available to its viewers the full optical quality of recordings and thereby follow the advanced development of the USA and East Asia.”

In France, ARTE HD is already available via cable, ADSL and on the satellite Atlantic Bird 3 (5° West). From November the channel will also be broadcast on DTT.


Source:Rapid Tv News