HD+ viewers can now enjoy live Formula 1 in UHD with RTL UHD

European entertainment network Mediengruppe RTL Deutschland started broadcasting its Ultra HD channel RTL UHD to German viewers on 28 April, via SES’s HD platform HD+.

The Ultra HD channel began with live transmission of the Formula 1 race from Baku, Azerbaijan, and will subsequently broadcast 17 races of the 2018 season, while distributing all the events simultaneously in HD.

As RTL’s partner of choice for distribution via satellite, HD+ is expanding its UHD package and bringing to its viewers even more high quality entertainment and sports highlights in an immersive picture quality. With UHD1 and Travelxp 4K already available on HD+, RTL UHD becomes the third Ultra HD channel included in the TV package. The expanded offer is available to HD+ subscribers equipped with UHD TVs at no additional cost.

Andre Prahl, head of programme broadcasting at Mediengruppe RTL Germany, said: “For us, UHD will become more important in the years to come, and as the leading media house we aim to constantly set new standards. This is why we are pleased to be able to expand our offering with the launch of RTL UHD and the live broadcast of Formula 1.”

Georges Agnes, operations and product development director at HD Plus, said about the new offer: “Our commitment to Ultra HD is coming to fruition. Now that more and more broadcasters are testing the format on UHD1, providers are increasingly considering launching their own offerings. RTL is playing a pioneering role in the German TV market with the Ultra HD broadcast of Formula 1, which is one of the most attractive TV properties in the country. Moreover, the differences between standard definition and UHD are particularly compelling for the viewer in this fast-paced sport. As 50% of TV sets sold in Germany are Ultra HD screens, the demand for more content in that format is set to rise, and we look forward to meeting that demand.”