ORF to launch second HD channel

Austrian public broadcaster ORF is to launch its second high definition channel ORF2 HD after it inked a deal with satellite services operator SES Astra.

The broadcaster will launch the channel later this month and it will be available to viewers who have an HD-ready TV screen as well as a HD set-top box. This follows the launch of ORF1 HD in June 2008.

The deal also adds to SES Astra’s HD channel bouquet. The satellite operator almost doubled the number of high definition channels it broadcasts in 2009 and now offers close to 100 HD channels.