Overview
- As of November 18, ZDF, ZDFinfo, ZDFneo, 3sat and KiKA now transmit only in HD after SD signals were switched off on satellite, with several cable providers such as Vodafone ending SD carriage the same day.
- Households without HD-capable equipment must upgrade to a TV with an HD tuner or a DVB‑S2/HD receiver to keep receiving the channels, while many existing devices only require a channel rescan.
- ZDF previously labeled its SD versions with the suffix “SD” to help viewers verify reception quality before the cutoff, and only the HD listings remain in regular program guides now.
- The broadcaster cites savings from ending parallel distribution and stewardship of license-fee funds, aligning with KEF’s 2021 recommendation that identified significant cost reductions.
- The change follows ARD’s SD exit in January 2025, and industry data indicate roughly 2.5–2.7 million German households still lack HD reception, with hotels, hospitals and care homes among potentially affected users.