ZDF’s Transition from SD to HD on Astra 19.2°E – What Pulsat Customers Need to Know for 2025

German satellite viewers will see an important technical change in 2025. Following ARD’s earlier move away from Standard Definition (SD), ZDF and its partner channels will now complete their transition from SD to HD, ending SD broadcasts on the Astra 19.2°E satellite in November 2025.

This marks another step in Germany’s ongoing broadcast modernisation, bringing clearer picture quality and better long-term stability for viewers.

Which ZDF Channels Are Moving to HD-Only?

From 18 November 2025, the following channels will no longer be available in SD and will broadcast exclusively in HD:

• ZDF
• ZDFneo
• ZDFinfo
• 3sat
• KiKA

Once this transition is complete, almost all major German free-to-air broadcasters on Astra 1 will be available only in HD.

Do You Need to Upgrade?

It depends on your equipment:

✔ You already have an HD satellite receiver

You should continue to receive all ZDF channels normally. Some viewers may need to perform a quick retune to update their channel list.

✘ You are still using an older SD receiver

You will lose access to ZDF, ZDFneo, ZDFinfo, 3sat and KiKA after the SD shutdown. SD receivers cannot decode HD broadcasts.

Good news:
You do not need to replace your satellite dish or LNB — only the receiver needs upgrading.

Recommended HD Receiver Upgrades Available from Pulsat

To ensure uninterrupted viewing of German television, Pulsat offers two excellent Technisat receiver options. Both are German-made, engineered for the German market, and ideal for Astra 19.2°E reception.

1. Technisat HD-S 223 – Simple, Reliable, and Perfect for HD Viewing

[Shop Technisat HD-S 223 Here]

The Technisat HD-S 223 is the ideal replacement for older SD receivers.

Key Benefits:

• Designed specifically for German broadcasting

• Automatically places German channels at the top of the channel list

• Excellent 7–10 day EPG (Electronic Programme Guide)

• Extremely easy installation

  • Simply unplug your SD receiver and replace it with the HD-S 223

• No dish changes required

This is the most affordable and straightforward way to continue receiving German HD channels after the transition.

2. Technisat DIGIPLUS UHD S2 – Premium 4K Ready Receiver

[Shop Technisat DIGIPLUS UHD S2 Here]

For customers looking to future-proof their system, Pulsat also offers the Technisat DIGIPLUS UHD S2.

Highlights:

• Full 4K Ultra HD support for compatible TVs

• Faster hardware and smoother performance

• Excellent German channel sorting and EPG, like all Technisat models

• Ideal for viewers who want both HD German channels and access to modern 4K content

This is the premium choice for enhancing picture quality and viewing experience.

Why Germany Is Transitioning from SD to HD

The move is driven by:

• Sharper, higher-quality picture clarity

• More efficient satellite bandwidth use

• Standardisation of modern HD formats

• Preparation for future systems such as 4K UHD

HD broadcasts on Astra 1 are expected to remain stable for at least 15 more years, ensuring long-term reliability for satellite viewers.

Upgrade Before November 2025

If you still rely on an SD receiver, now is the perfect time to upgrade.

Both the Technisat HD-S 223 and the Technisat DIGIPLUS UHD S2 are available from Pulsat and offer full compatibility with German HD satellite broadcasting.