Archive notice: This article was originally published on July 8, 2008. Links and embedded videos are preserved as part of the historical record.
The Olympic Games in high definition: in time for its second anniversary, ANIXE HD is accelerating the breakthrough of HDTV in Germany and will be the country’s only free-to-air broadcaster to show the world’s largest sporting event—the 29th Summer Olympic Games in Beijing in 2008—in HD quality.
From August 9 to 24, 2008, ANIXE HD will broadcast more than 100 hours of Olympic programming every day from 7:45 p.m., exclusively in HD quality rather than as a simulcast. The HD pioneer has secured rights to mountain biking, equestrian events, archery, triathlon, sailing, windsurfing, and the marathon. ASTRA Deutschland is supporting ANIXE HD’s Olympic programming with promotional and marketing activities. ANIXE HD is also negotiating with other infrastructure providers with the aim of securing carriage before the Olympic Games.
Jennifer Lapidakis of ANIXE HD management said: “The Olympic Games had long been discussed as an ‘HD driver’ in Germany even before 2008. As the only broadcaster in Germany, we spared no expense or effort in securing this outstanding sporting event for Germany in HD, because we see it as our absolute duty to keep this promise to viewers. We expect an enormous boost to our profile and are working in partnership with other European broadcasters. As a pioneer of HDTV in Germany, the Olympic Games are the most important milestone to date for the future of our channel and HD television.”
Wolfgang Elsäßer, Managing Director of ASTRA Deutschland, said: “Anyone seeking brilliant, richly detailed images will be rewarded with a very special television experience when receiving HD via ASTRA. ANIXE brings razor-sharp images into viewers’ living rooms, providing an entirely new live experience, especially for major sporting events such as the Olympic Games. Satellite is and remains the ideal infrastructure for television in HD quality.”
Since its move on February 27, 2008, ANIXE HD has broadcast around the clock on ASTRA transponder 75 at the 19.2° East orbital position. Reception parameters are: transponder 75; frequency 11.9140 GHz; horizontal; symbol rate 27.5 MSymb/s; FEC 9/10.
ANIXE HD founder Emmanouil Lapidakis said: “For two years, we have fought with private financing for the distribution and standardization of HD in Germany and Europe. The lack of audience measurement makes participation in the advertising market more difficult. By acquiring and producing first-class Olympic programming content with a euro budget in the low seven figures, we are creating a highlight for television viewers and sending a signal for ANIXE HD’s breakthrough in cooperation with media agencies and sponsors. Our Olympic-programming strategy is based not on reach, but on first contact. We want to use this major event to introduce HD to as many viewers as possible. Around 700,000 households in Germany are already HD-ready. We hope for the support of sponsors and marketers and for their recognition of the opportunity to accompany us on this innovative path.”
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