French FTA broadcasts under its Fransat system will switch from MPEG-2 to MPEG-4 in 15-16 months from now, around Spring 2016”.

The decision means that viewers will have to buy a new Fransat HD compatible MPEG-4 receiver from around 40 available on the market.

Boxes will shortly start appearing with MPEG-4 and a logo (“Fransat Connect”) which will mean that the unit is also good for HbbTV interactive services.

Fransat has also promised ultra-HD test transmissions from Eutelsat’s 5 West A satellite. Viewers need a Fransat CI+ set-top box, and a suitable Samsung 4K display. The tests will start on December 16th.

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Categories: Articles, Regulation, Standards, UHD, Ultra-HD/4K