Kathrein supports Astra’s HD+

Jörn Krieger



German electronics manufacturer Kathrein will offer buyers of its current portfolio of HDTV satellite receivers the possibility to access the new HDTV platform planned by satellite operator SES Astra using conventional common interface (CI) slots.

“All current DVB-S HDTV receivers from Kathrein – the UFS 922, UFS 910 and UFS 902 – can be upgraded through a software update and a so called legacy module with a corresponding smartcard for the new platform,” said Ralf Exler, head of the company’s development department. He added that the software update would become available at the same time as the legacy modules are introduced to the market.

After TechniSat und Humax, Kathrein is the third manufacturer offering this solution, which – according to SES Astra – is open to further manufacturers. The solution has the advantage that existing HDTV households don’t have to buy new equipment for HD+. The platform’s actual technical standard is the new CI generation CI Plus which will be introduced in Germany later this year.

HD+ will launch in late autumn on Astra (19.2° East) with RTL and VOX on board, followed in January 2010 by Sat.1, ProSieben and kabel eins. The platform, which is open to further channels, will be encrypted in Nagravision with viewers having to pay a reception fee.