June 27, 2024, 3:21 pm | Read time: 12 minutes
Although streaming is on the rise, the good old TV connection is far from obsolete. However, there are quite different options for receiving it. From the classic cable connection, satellite, and DVB-T2 to IPTV–TECHBOOK presents the various TV connections and reveals which one is worth it for whom.
Anyone who wants to watch TV in Germany can choose between four connection options–cable, DVB-T2, satellite, or internet TV (IPTV). Cable was at the top of the list for a long time because the costs for the connection were conveniently billed through additional costs in many cases. But that ended in July 2024, and tenants are free to choose their connection themselves.
The available reception types differ not only in monthly costs, but also in the selection of channels. However, it is primarily the technical requirements of a TV connection that users should pay attention to. While TV reception via IPTV only requires an internet connection, users need suitable hardware for DVB-T2 or satellite, which can sometimes be complicated to install.
In the following, we present the different TV reception types in Germany in more detail, show their advantages and disadvantages, and provide important details about connection and price.
Overview
All the information about the right TV connection is also briefly summarized in the video.
Cable Connection
Cable TV is probably the best-known and one of the simplest connections. Users only need an antenna cable, also called a coaxial cable, to connect the antenna socket to the TV. This way, they receive public broadcasters in HD quality, while private channels are only broadcast in SD quality. Those who want to watch RTL, ProSieben, VOX, and others in HD need the corresponding HD package and a smart card from the cable provider.
Monthly Costs
For a long time, the costs for the cable connection were billed through the rental additional costs. This billing was particularly convenient for users, as they did not have to worry about a separate connection or any contract terms–the contract ended with moving out. With a monthly fee of 8 to 10 euros, the billed amount was also very manageable. But as of June 30, 2024, this changed. Since then, landlords are no longer allowed to pass the costs for the cable TV connection onto their tenants. Those who still want to watch TV via cable must arrange their own connection and bear the costs. More on this here: Cable TV fees are removed from additional costs.
In cases where the cable connection is not included in the rental agreement, users can sign up for it themselves through their local provider. The most well-known cable TV providers include Vodafone (formerly also Unitymedia, Kabel BW, and Kabel Deutschland) and Pyur. Here, the connection costs–depending on the location and supply agreement–about 5 to 13 euros per month after the change in mid-2024, roughly the same as before. The landlord can provide information about which provider is responsible in the area. Alternatively, the connection check directly with the cable network operator can help, where the individual costs for the TV connection can also be retrieved. Vodafone has set up an inquiry, as has Pyur.
Most cable network operators offer additional packages to the basic TV connection. Those who want to watch private channels in HD, for example, must book the HD package. Vodafone offered such a package in the form of Basic TV Cable for a long time for 3.99 euros per month. However, with the change at the end of June 2024, it increased to 6.99 euros per month. The package is marketed more in the background, as cable providers–especially Vodafone–prefer to promote their combo packages of cable connection, HD package, and additional channels and TV services. An example here is GigaTV.
Technical Requirements and Hardware
Those who want to watch TV via cable mainly need two things: an active cable connection and a coaxial cable to connect the TV socket to the TV. Additional devices are only necessary if private channels are to be received in HD. In these cases, customers receive either a receiver or a smart card with a CI+ module from their cable provider, with costs varying widely. Tip: Those who already have a contract with the pay-TV provider Sky can also have HD cable TV activated via the Sky smart card and save money.
Channel Selection
Public broadcasters can be received in HD via cable at no extra charge. In addition, there are the channels of private broadcasters, which are only available in SD by default. If users want to receive them in HD, at least the HD basic package is necessary. Vodafone broadcasts up to 58 HD channels and up to 90 TV channels in SD via Basic TV Cable. With the HD Premium package, up to 20 additional HD channels are broadcast. The exact channels that can be received vary depending on the expansion area and can be checked on the provider’s website.
Also interesting: Overview of cable providers’ TV packages
Antenna TV via DVB-T2
DVB-T was long considered the cheapest method to receive TV. It was also the solution for campers and those who wanted to provide TV easily in their garden house. All that is needed for antenna TV is a suitable receiver and an indoor or rooftop antenna.
With the switch to DVB-T2 and the associated reception of HD TV, antenna TV became chargeable from 2017–at least for those who want to watch channels beyond ARD, ZDF, and other public programs. They must subscribe to Freenet TV to receive private channels via DVB-T2. However, the costs are lower than for cable TV.
Monthly Costs
In July 2022, Freenet TV increased the costs for HD reception of DVB-T2. Since then, the offer is available either as a monthly subscription with direct debit for 7.99 euros or as a prepaid card for 99 euros, which unlocks access for one year and comes without a contract term or cancellation. Freenet TV also offers various starter packages, including a receiver or CI+ module, which already include some free months. The access is valid for one TV, and Freenet TV does not (yet) offer subscriptions for multiple devices.
Technical Requirements and Hardware
To receive DVB-T2, users need a CI+ module or a receiver. Both are available on the Freenet website and in electronics stores. An antenna is also required. Depending on the location, an indoor or outdoor antenna is sufficient for reception. Freenet TV provides information on the best model on its website.
Indoor antennas differ in passive and active models. Passive models do not require their own power supply and are simply connected to the TV via the antenna socket on the wall. Active models have their own power plug and offer better reception performance due to the integrated amplifier. They are recommended when TV reception via the passive antenna is too weak.
Also interesting: Improve DVB-T2 reception with simple tips
Channel Selection
The channel selection for DVB-T2 is smaller than for cable. However, users do not have to pay extra for HD, as it is already covered by the monthly price. About 20 public TV channels and 20 private channels can be received via antenna. The exact list may vary slightly depending on the location and can be viewed here.
What Equipment Do I Need for DVB-T2 HD?
What You Should Know About Waipu.tv
Satellite TV
Photo: Getty Image
Satellite TV is an alternative for users who do not have a cable connection or want to receive channels from abroad. Sky’s offering is also available via satellite. At the same time, it is the connection with the most to consider. Satellite TV is often referred to as DVB-S/S2, with the latter being the requirement for HD reception. DVB-S2 is supported by most modern TVs.
The satellite dish necessary for reception must be mounted outside the house. Tenants need their landlord’s permission for this, who can also prohibit the installation. Alternatively, the dish can be mounted in a non-visible area of the balcony, which may, however, impair reception. The rule is: the less obstructed the view of the satellite, the better the TV transmission. Balconies and terraces facing south are best for receiving German-language programs. A simple rule of thumb: if you have a direct view of the sun at noon at the installation site, the location is well-suited for satellite reception.
Monthly Costs
Public broadcasters offer their channels via satellite in both SD and HD without monthly costs. Users also do not pay extra for private channels as long as they watch them in SD. For HD transmission, a subscription from HD+ is required. This costs 6 euros per month but is also available as an annual package for a one-time fee of 75 euros. Thus, the satellite connection is the cheapest and most extensive method in terms of the number of channels to receive TV.
Technical Requirements and Hardware
The setup for satellite TV is complex, as users first need to purchase a lot of equipment. Accordingly, the one-time costs are high. In addition to a satellite dish with a receiving part, users also need an LNB (“Low Noise Block”–responsible for translating the radio signals received by the antenna) and a receiver with an integrated decryption system. Those who have a TV with a CI+ slot can also use a CI+ module with a smart card to unlock the channels. Users also need satellite coaxial cables with a satellite adapter (F-connector) and–if several participants or TVs are to be supplied with satellite TV–a multiswitch. Costs can quickly exceed 250 euros.
Channel Selection
The channels that users want to receive determine the alignment of the satellite dish. In this country, the satellites Astra, Hotbird, or Eutelsat are most commonly used. For German-language programs, the position Astra 19.2 degrees East is responsible. With so-called multifeed antennas and two receiving parts, channels from abroad can also be received simultaneously with the German programs, as two satellites can be targeted.
More than 300 German-language channels can be received via Astra 19.2 degrees. Over 250 of them are available unencrypted and free of charge. Public broadcasters are generally also broadcast in HD quality for free. From 2025, they will even be available exclusively in HD. Private channels can only be viewed in SD without extra cost–those who want high-definition quality need a subscription with HD+. Also included are the two UHD channels RTL UHD and UHD1.
Internet TV/IPTV
Internet TV is not only modern, but it is also a good option for users who want to be mobile, do not have a cable connection, or shy away from purchasing expensive hardware.
With IPTV, there are essentially two types of access. There are pure IPTV providers like Zattoo or waipu.tv, which work via an app on a smartphone, smart TV, or in a browser, and for which users only need an internet connection. Then there are the providers’ offers, including Telekom, Vodafone, or 1&1. They combine their internet access with TV access, allowing for a bundle from a single source. They already provide the necessary hardware in the form of a receiver. The costs for such triple offers of internet, phone, and TV are significantly higher at first glance than the subscription with pure IPTV providers. However, users get significantly more performance here.
Also interesting: Internet TV–IPTV offers in comparison
Monthly Costs
Both Zattoo and waipu.tv offer various subscription options. Both have a limited, ad-supported, but free access. Here, only one stream per account is possible, and users must also do without HD TV. However, for around 10 euros per month, there is also access that not only includes HD TV but also allows streams to be paused, recorded, and viewed on multiple devices.
Telekom’s IPTV offering is called MagentaTV. In combination with a double flat rate, users pay at least 43 euros per month, with the first months of the 24-month contract term often available at a lower price. Those who only want to watch MagentaTV on the go via smartphone or laptop can get the package from 10 euros per month. Vodafone offers an alternative called GigaTV Net (not to be confused with GigaTV Cable!), which costs 15 euros per month and also has a two-year term.
The provider 1&1 offers a TV option that can be added to the DSL or fiber-optic contract. Alternatively, there is a pure IPTV option called HD TV (plus) for 6.99 or 9.99 euros per month.
Technical Requirements and Hardware
The technical requirements for IPTV are simple. Users only need an internet connection–preferably with at least 8 Mbit/s bandwidth–and a device on which they want to watch TV. This can be a smartphone, tablet, or a compatible smart TV where the provider’s app is available. In cases where customers add TV to their provider, they usually receive the necessary receiver for rent, so they do not have to make their own purchase.
Channel Selection
Zattoo and waipu.tv advertise up to 274 TV channels, depending on the subscription. Up to 259 of them are available in HD. With providers, the channel selection is different. The pure and decoupled from DSL packages offers usually include around 60 channels in HD. In combination with a double flat rate, the number of channels increases to over 180, about 150 of which are in HD.