Analog TV shutdown at Kabel Deutschland: What customers need to know
Kabel Deutschland plans to switch off the analog TV signal in 2018. In this practical tip, we will tell you when it is so far for you and how you will continue to watch TV.
Kabel Deutschland: All information about switching off analog TV
Kabel Deutschland is now part of Vodafone. In order to use the millions of cable connections in Germany more efficiently, the analog TV signal will be switched off during the year. As a result, Kabel Deutschland has more capacity for digital television and the Internet.
- The analog TV signal has been cut in the first German cities since May. You will be informed by Vodafone at least 4 months in advance when you are ready. Alternatively, you can type in your postcode on the following Vodafone website.
- If you have previously used Kabel Deutschland's analog TV signal for television, you will simply switch to digital reception from the respective appointment. In most cases you will continue to pay the same tariff. In addition to the analog TV, the analog radio transmitters are also switched off.
- If you already receive your television digitally, nothing will change for you. You can tell from the resolution whether you are receiving digital television. If you see the addition "HD" in the station title or in the station logo, you are already using digital TV. The switchover can lead to changes in the TV occupancy. If some channels are missing after switching off, simply start a channel search in the menu of your TV.
Analog TV is switched off: You have to do that now
The switch from analog to digital has advantages not only for Kabel Deutschland and Vodafone, but also for you as a viewer. With the right TV package, you can see the future not only in the old standard quality, but also in HD quality. You will also receive significantly more than 30 channels, including ZDF neo or One.
- You need the right equipment to switch to digital television. If your television is not older than 7 years, it usually has a slot for CI + cards. If you get a corresponding CI + card from Kabel Deutschland, the reception of the digital offer will be activated on your television.
- If you use a special TV package or if your TV is significantly older, you need an external receiver. It is a small box that is connected to the television. A CI + card also comes into this box.
- Whether you only need a CI + card or an additional recipient, please contact Vodafone customer service with your request.
Kabel Deutschland cuts analog television: alternatives at a glance
If you switch from analogue to digital reception via Kabel Deutschland, you will continue to pay a comparatively low price for TV reception. Depending on the tariff, the analog shutdown can also be a good reason for a change.
- With DVB-T2 you can also receive all common channels in HD for a few euros a month. The receiver for DVB-T2 is already integrated in very new TVs. For older devices, however, you can retrofit an external receiver for little money.
- The cost of receiving via satellite is similarly high. However, you need a satellite dish for reception.
- It works over the Internet without any additional devices. With offers such as Waipu, Magine and Zattoo, you can receive over 100 TV channels conveniently on your PC, on your mobile phone or directly on your television. You usually need additional devices such as a Fire TV Stick or Google Chromecast to receive the TV.
In the next practical tip, we will show you how Kabel Deutschland performs compared to Telekom as a DSL provider.