HD change: What viewers absolutely need to know!

From January 7, 2025, the ARD, including the first and third programs (MDR, RBB, NDR), switch the image quality of their programs from SDTV (standard quality) to HD (High definition). This change brings with it a higher image resolution and an improved audio quality. In order to use the HD quality on a television, spectators must individually make the necessary changes to each device, otherwise the image remains black.

To check whether a television can receive HD quality, spectators can turn on the first; A small "HD" under the ARD logo signals that the device is up to date. Another option for control is the broadcaster list, in which a small "HD" indicates the HD ability of the device in addition to the transmitter names. The ZDF and 3sat will only switch to HD in November 2025, but have already removed the HD logo under their transmitter names, such as MOZ.de reported.

change and recommendations for action

The switch from SD to HD can be carried out by an automatic or manual transmitter search on the remote control; The manual search keeps the usual sentence order. TVs without integrated HD tuners need an external satellite or cable receiver, the acquisition costs of which begin at around 30 euros. Gabriel Perlow, Managing Director of an electric specialist market, expresses that communication about the upcoming changeover may have been inadequate.

It is important to note that the switch to HD quality has no effect on the broadcasting fees. Spectators who are currently receiving via satellite or cable have to adjust to these changes, while antenna television (DVB-T2 HD) already switched to HD in 2017. According to further information from consumerzentral.de from 2025 will be ended. Owners of older televisions have the option of retrofitting suitable HD receivers, with modern devices usually already equipped with an integrated HD receiver.