Entertain Sat: Deutsche Telekom and SES Astra's clever cooperation

Deutsche Telekom is launching a new package in Germany, called Entertain Sat. It's a type of hybrid TV, combining DT's IPTV service (Entertain) with a free package of HD channels from SES Astra (HD+). DT also will offer broadband and telephony with the package, as well as a 500GB hard disc recorder.

A few short observations:

1. This is similar to the recently launched Vodafone TV from Vodafone Germany, which also bundles satellite TV with IPTV (see our commentary 'Vodafone Germany's hybrid TV offers little to distinguish it'). In the same vein DT has started working with Sky Deutschland (see our commentary 'Deutsche Telekom attacks cable on own turf').
2. Again there is a prominent role for satellite TV, this time with free HD channels. This is a smart way for DT to add bandwidth-intensive channels to its offering. The downside for the customers is the need to get a satellite dish, but DT is targeting customers who already have a dish. This brings Entertain to almost all of Germany, as the IPTV service requires just 3Mbps (according to DT) and the HD service (which takes around 8Mbps) is delivered over satellite. It's a good chance for the satellite operator as well, as SES Astra is turning off its analogue signal in 2012 and it can now already offer an alternative. While a DSL connection is still needed, this prevents customers from switching to cable (assuming cable is available), which is increasingly aggressive in its marketing of triple-play plans with an extensive channel range.
3. This is not about 'connected TV' (compare the Vodafone news above). This is purely about linear (broadcast) TV.

Telecompaper is organising on 27 April the international Connected TV 2011 congress in Utrecht.