21.5m German homes receiving TV via HOT BIRD
June 8, 2016
Nick Snow @ ANGA COM
Eutelsat has revealed the first results of its Eutelsat TV Observatory 2016 for the German market. New data measuring trends in Europe’s biggest TV market from 2014 to 2016 show growth of the DTH base of Eutelsat’s key video neighbourhoods, with the HOT BIRD position increasing its German DTH audience by 30 per cent to 3.1 million homes.
HOT BIRD channels reach one out of two German TV homes
Between spring 2014 and 2016 the number of homes in Germany equipped for DTH reception from the HOT BIRD position increased from 2.4 million to 3.1 million. With nine out of ten of these homes already equipped with an HD screen the stage is set for an acceleration of HD growth. In addition to its growing DTH base, HOT BIRD has a 95 per cent penetration of German cable homes and 100 per cent penetration of IP homes. In total, 21.5 million of Germany’s 40.1 million TV homes receive channels from the HOT BIRD position. The main drivers of its rising popularity are channel diversity, including English, Russian, Polish, Arabic, Turkish and Farsi TV channels, and an exceptional free-to-air offer of almost 400 channels.
Eutelsat 9B consolidates market position
The Eutelsat 9B satellite at 9° East, Eutelsat’s second significant position for Germany, also showed growth to 4.7 million DTH, cable and IP homes, reflecting an almost 20 per cent jump in 24 months. Eutelsat 9B is the satellite of choice for M7 Deutschland and multiple cable and IP network operators in Germany.
Rising interest in Ultra HD
The Observatory also revealed rising interest in and awareness of Ultra HD by German TV viewers. Over 80 per cent of TV homes (75 per cent in 2014) declared they were familiar with Ultra HD.
Commenting on the results, Michel Azibert, Eutelsat Chief Commercial and Development Officer, said: “Our new analysis highlights the strong demand for satellite TV in Germany, with 2.5 million TV homes declaring an interest in switching to DTH reception over the next 12 months to benefit from channel diversity and image quality. More specifically for Eutelsat and our community of channels, the survey shows a clear growth trend at two of our longstanding video neighbourhoods, with more growth to come as HD accelerates and Ultra HD takes hold. This outcome encourages us to pursue our efforts to grow in Germany and to leverage new technologies and applications that connect our clients to their audience.”