Tele Columbus adds HD channels

German cable operator Tele Columbus has added HD channels Das Erste HD (from ARD), ZDF HD and Arte HD to its programming line-up in selected cities in time for the Athletics World Championships in Berlin. ZDF is providing HD coverage of the event, which begins tomorrow.

The channels will be available unencrypted and without any additional charge to TeleColumbus subscribers with suitable reception equipment.

Tele Columbus is offering the HD channels on its networks in Berlin, Chemnitz, Erfurt, Freital, Halle, Jena, Magdeburg, Potsdam, Schönebeck and Zwickau. It said that other cities would be added by the end of the year. Tele Columbus, which also distributes a number of Sky Deutschland’s HD channels, also plans to launch a hybrid cable/IP HD DVR service this year.