ARD Ends SD Broadcasting, Transitioning Fully to HD

Starting January 7, 2025, ARD programs will only be available in HD, impacting households with older, non-HD-compatible TV equipment.

The ARD has discontinued SD satellite broadcasting for its channels, including Das Erste and regional Dritte programs, requiring viewers to switch to HD-compatible devices.
This change affects primarily satellite users, though some cable operators are also ceasing SD broadcasts of ARD channels on the same date.
Around 2.7 million households in Germany reportedly still rely on SD-only devices as of 2023, potentially requiring upgrades to HD-capable TVs or receivers.
The transition aims to reduce costs and improve broadcast quality, as maintaining both SD and HD signals since 2012 has been resource-intensive.
Private broadcasters like ProSiebenSat.1 and RTL will continue offering SD broadcasts for the foreseeable future, unaffected by ARD's decision.