Shopping channel becomes the first commercial and unencrypted UHD satellite channel

Satellite operator SES has announced that the first commercial and unencrypted UHD channel will be available in September via its Astra1 satellite. It concerns Pearl.tv, a German home shopping channel.

Until now, only a demo channel in UHD quality could be seen via the Astra1 satellite, but that will change from September when Pearl.tv starts touting its products with 3840×2160 pixels. The station claims to be the first commercial TV provider to air a TV channel in full UHD quality and freely available.

The channel focuses on an audience in countries such as Germany and Switzerland. Pearl.tv was one of the first home shopping channels to be freely available in HD quality. In a new contract with SES, the programs of the home shopping channel are also offered in SD and HD quality.