Euro1080 was the first commercial broadcaster in Europe that aired full time HDTV content. It began in January 1, 2004, free to air during a few months, until it was encrypted. A €20 user card is required to watch HD1.
Later it split in two: HD1 (mostly HDTV showcasing for regular users) and HDe (live and recorded HDTV broadcasts of special events for selected theatres). Euro1080 currently broadcasts on the Astra satellite, and a few selected cable operators.
A new channel (HD2) is being considered. It will broadcast premium events in MPEG-4, unlike HD1 and HDe.
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