A new DVB-T2 platform will be launched in Germany on 29 March next year.
It will deliver 40 public and commercial channels, most of which will be available in HD.
The preceding standard, DVB-T, will see the distribution of its commercial channels terminated as the full DVB-T2 service is gradually rolled out throughout further regions through to 2019.
The initial release will include Das Erste HD, ZDF HD, RTL HD, Sat.1 HD, ProSieben HD and VOX HD.
The public channels will stay unencrypted via DVB-T2, while the commercial channels will be encrypted and offered for a monthly fee as part of the Freenet TV package.
The DVB-T2 project is supported by ARD and ZDF, the country’s media authorites, commercial broadcasters RTL and ProSiebenSat.1, the VPRT and Media SE.
