HD+

What HD+ does

HD PLUS GmbH, operating as HD+, is a German subscription television platform headquartered in Unterföhring, Germany, and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Luxembourg-based global satellite operator SES S.A. The company decrypts and distributes private German TV broadcasters (including RTL, ProSieben, and SAT.1) in HD and UHD quality to German consumer households via two complementary delivery paths: satellite reception using HD+ smartcards or CI+ modules, and IP-based streaming through the HD+ IP-App on certified Smart TVs or the HD+ IP TV-Stick. Its core technology stack combines Nagra/Intertrust ExpressPlay DRM for encrypted satellite delivery, Zattoo's IP streaming backbone, and HbbTV-based applications pre-installed on Smart TVs from Samsung, LG, Panasonic, Philips, Sony, Hisense, and Loewe.

The business operates on a freemium-to-subscription monetization model. HD+ Free provides a no-cost TV app with smart features (medialibrary search, pause, restart) on certified Smart TVs to drive top-of-funnel acquisition. HD+ Classic (€6.99/month) and HD+ Premium (€9.99/month) are the recurring paid tiers, with Premium adding 100+ HD channels across all devices. Incremental revenue is generated via the Premium Upgrade multi-device mobile streaming add-on, the DFB.TV official-broadcaster football add-on (~250 live events/year), the trendSports Paket from TA2 Europe GmbH, and hardware sales of smartcards, CI+ modules, and the IP TV-Stick. Additional distribution flows through electronics retail, a dedicated dealer (Händler) portal, the HD+ webshop, and reseller relationships with Sky and cable operators.

Go-to-market is hybrid product-led and direct-to-consumer, leveraging OEM pre-installation for top-of-funnel reach and a dedicated digital marketing stack (Google Ads, Meta retargeting, Maileon email, affiliate channels) for conversion. The customer base consists of mass-market German private households — primarily satellite-equipped families needing encrypted private broadcaster reception, plus growing segments of IP-only viewers, mobile/multi-screen streamers, and sports fans. Geographic scope is explicitly domestic (Germany), with limited EU portability for travelling subscribers under the EU Portability Regulation.

Name

HD+

Legal name

HD PLUS GmbH

Website

https://hd-plus.de

Company type

Private

Founded year

2009

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

HD+ (HD PLUS GmbH) is a German subscription TV platform and SES S.A. subsidiary that decrypts and distributes private German broadcasters in HD/UHD via satellite and IP streaming to German consumer households, monetized through monthly Classic (€6.99) and Premium (€9.99) subscriptions, hardware sales, and content add-ons.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Satellite Television / Pay TV Services

NAICS

Media Streaming Distribution Services, Social Networks, and Other Media Networks and Content Providers (516210), Motion Picture and Video Distribution (512120), Consumer Electronics and Appliances Rental (532210), Media Streaming Distribution Services, Social Networks, and Other Media Networks and Content Providers (5162)

SIC

Cable & Other Pay Television Services (4841), Services-Motion Picture & Video Tape Distribution (7822), Household Audio & Video Equipment (3651)

akta.pro primary industry

Pay-TV / Premium Window Distribution (MPADAJAH)

akta.pro secondary industries

Live TV Streaming (vMVPD/IPTV OTT) (MPACAAAD), Live Sports Pay-Per-View (PPV) & Event Streaming (MPAKAOAE), Set-Top Box, CPE & Home Video Distribution Hardware (STB/Gateways/Remotes) (MPABAGAI), Digital Content & Media Subscriptions (CRAFAIAA)

Keywords

• Satellite TV services
• HD television distribution
• Pay-TV subscriptions
• Streaming TV platform
• Broadcast decryption services

Headquarters

HQ city

Unterföhring

HQ country

Germany

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. HD+ Subscription (Classic & Premium): HD+ generates the majority of its revenue from recurring monthly subscriptions. HD+ Classic is priced at €6.99/month (offering HD+ content via satellite and internet) and HD+ Premium at €9.99/month (100+ HD channels on all devices). Subscriptions run indefinitely (on-demand) and are cancellable monthly. Annual pre-payment options are also available at a discount. This is the primary revenue driver.
2. Premium Upgrade Add-on: Monthly subscription add-on enabling mobile streaming on up to three devices. Billed monthly in addition to the base HD+ subscription.
3. DFB.TV Add-on Subscription: Monthly subscription add-on for DFB.TV football content (pay-TV programme from DFB.TV Sendegesellschaft mbH). Requires active HD+ subscription. Billed monthly.
4. trendSports Paket Subscription: Monthly subscription add-on for the trendSports pay-TV package provided by TA2 Europe GmbH. Only available for satellite-based HD+ subscribers with an active HD+ Abo.
5. HD+ Hardware Sales (Smartcards, CI+ Modules): HD+ generates hardware revenue from the sale of HD+ smartcards (HD+ Karte) and CI+ modules (HD+ Modul) through retail and the HD+ webshop. These devices are required for satellite signal decryption. Smartcards remain property of HD+ and are lent to customers.
6. HD+ IP TV-Stick Hardware: The HD+ IP TV-Stick, manufactured by SEI ROBOTICS Germany GmbH, is sold through retail and the HD+ webshop as an alternative to satellite reception. The stick enables internet-based TV streaming with 100+ HD channels and access to streaming apps.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels8 records

Marketing channels11 records

Core offering

HD+ distributes encrypted HD and UHD television programming from private German broadcasters (RTL, ProSieben, SAT.1, etc.) to consumer households via satellite and internet delivery. The company operates a tiered subscription service (HD+ Free, HD+ Classic at €6.99/month, HD+ Premium at €9.99/month) with hardware including smartcards, CI+ modules, and the HD+ IP TV-Stick, plus content add-ons such as DFB.TV (official German Football Association content with 250 live events per year) and trendSports Paket.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• HD+ Free: Free TV app for satellite customers offering smart TV functions like media library search, pause and restart of shows
• HD+ Classic
• HD+ Premium
• HD+ Premium Upgrade
• DFB.TV
• HD+ trendSports Paket
• HD+ TV-App
• HD+ IP-App
• HD+ IP TV-Stick
• HD+ TV-Guide
• HD+ Modul
• HD+ Karte

Products and services

• HD+ Free Free TV app for German satellite customers offering smart TV functions such as media library search, pause, and restart of programs without additional receiving equipment on compatible smart TVs.
• HD+ Classic Classic HD+ subscription offering encrypted reception of private German TV channels in HD quality via satellite or internet at €6.99 per month.
• HD+ Premium Premium subscription offering 100+ HD channels on all devices for €9.99 per month, available via satellite or internet.
• HD+ Premium Upgrade Add-on enabling flexible TV viewing on up to three devices simultaneously, including smartphones and tablets outside the home, with EU portability for travelling within Europe.
• DFB.TV Official DFB pay-TV programme add-on featuring German Football Association content with around 250 live events per year and on-demand access to the DFB.TV media library.
• trendSports Paket Pay-TV sports programme package from TA2 Europe GmbH available exclusively as a monthly subscription to HD+ subscribers with an active satellite-based HD+ Abo.
• HD+ Modul (CI+ Module) CI+ module for satellite reception that allows access to HD+ services when inserted into a compatible TV with a card slot. Available as a rental option including an HD+ smartcard.
• HD+ IP TV-Stick Streaming stick manufactured by SEI ROBOTICS Germany GmbH providing HD+ IP product streaming with access to 100+ HD channels and numerous streaming apps as an alternative to cable television.
• HD+ TV-App (Satellite) HbbTV application for satellite reception on certified Smart TVs providing HD+ Basic Service with comfort features including media library search, restart function, UHD-Switch indicator, and favorites list.
• HD+ IP-App App for HbbTV-capable Smart TVs or the HD+ IP TV-Stick enabling HD+ Basic Service via internet without satellite reception, requiring minimum 6 Mbit/s (recommended 16 Mbit/s).
• HD+ App (Mobile) Mobile app for Android and iOS (minimum iOS 13.0 or Android 9) enabling digital programme guide and Premium Upgrade streaming on smartphones and tablets.
• HD+ TV-Guide Free digital TV programme guide app functioning as an electronic programme guide (EPG) with personalisation, watchlist, push notifications, and recommendations features.
• HD+ Karte (Smartcard) Smartcard required for decrypting encrypted HD broadcasts via satellite; must be paired with compatible decryption devices including CI+ modules.

Quantifiable outcome

• 250 live football events per year via DFB.TV add-on
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers1 record

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration12 records

Feature7 records

Partnerships

16 partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.

• SES Germany GmbH (SES Group)coreTechnology or IntegrationHD PLUS GmbH is a subsidiary of SES S.A. (Château de Betzdorf, Luxembourg), a major global satellite operator. SES Germany GmbH serves as a sister company providing server infrastructure for HD+'s data organization and management. SES operates the Astra satellite fleet used by HD+ for satellite signal transmission and reception across Germany.
• Astra (SES Astra)coreTechnology or IntegrationAstra (operated by SES Astra) is the satellite operator whose satellites HD+ uses to broadcast encrypted HD TV signals to German households. HD+ products require a satellite dish pointed at an Astra satellite for satellite-based reception. The satellite infrastructure is fundamental to HD+'s core service offering.
• SamsungmajorOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerSamsung is one of the certified Smart TV manufacturers on whose devices the HD+ TV-App is pre-installed or available for download. Samsung Smart TV buyers can access HD+ directly through the pre-installed app without additional hardware.
• LGmajorOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerLG is a certified Smart TV manufacturer on whose devices the HD+ TV-App is pre-installed or available for download, enabling LG Smart TV owners to access HD+ without additional hardware.
• PanasonicmajorOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerPanasonic is a certified Smart TV manufacturer whose devices feature the HD+ TV-App, allowing Panasonic Smart TV buyers to access HD+ directly via the pre-installed application.
• PhilipsmajorOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerPhilips Smart TVs feature the HD+ TV-App as a certified partner, enabling Philips TV owners to access HD+ directly through their television without additional hardware.
• SonymajorOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerSony Smart TVs are certified HD+ partner devices with the HD+ TV-App pre-installed or available for download, enabling Sony TV buyers to access HD+ without separate hardware.
• HisensemajorOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerHisense Smart TVs are certified HD+ partner devices with the HD+ TV-App available, allowing Hisense TV buyers to access HD+ through their television.
• LoeweminorOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerLoewe Smart TVs are listed among certified HD+ partner manufacturers offering the HD+ TV-App, serving a premium TV market segment in Germany.
• DFB.TV Sendegesellschaft mbHmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerDFB.TV is the official broadcaster of the German Football Association (DFB). HD+ offers DFB.TV as an add-on subscription, providing access to 250 live football events per year and an on-demand football mediatheque. DFB.TV is positioned as 'Der offizielle Sender des DFB' (official broadcaster) on the HD+ platform.
• TA2 Europe GmbH (trendSports Paket)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerTA2 Europe GmbH provides the trendSports Paket, a sports pay-TV package integrated into HD+. The trendSports Paket is exclusively available to HD+ subscribers with an active satellite-based HD+ subscription in Abo form.
• Zattoo Deutschland GmbHcoreTechnology or IntegrationZattoo Deutschland GmbH (Sonnenallee 223a, 12059 Berlin) provides the IP-based live TV streaming platform for the HD+ IP-App and HD+ Premium Upgrade. HD+ streams IP-based TV content via Zattoo's infrastructure, transmitting the user's IP address to Zattoo for streaming delivery.
• Nagra / Intertrust ExpressPlaycoreTechnology or IntegrationNagra (Kudelski SA, Cheseaux-sur-Lausanne, Switzerland) provides the NagraVision Aladin digital rights management system, and Intertrust ExpressPlay provides the content key management infrastructure for encrypting and decrypting HD+ satellite signals. When users stream content, their browsers connect to Intertrust license servers to retrieve decryption keys.
• SEI ROBOTICS Germany GmbHmajorOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerSEI ROBOTICS Germany GmbH (Rennershofstraße 8-9, 68163 Mannheim) is the manufacturer of the HD+ IP TV-Stick, the hardware device enabling internet-based TV streaming as an alternative to satellite reception for HD+.
• PayPal (Europe) S.à r.l. et Cie, S.C.A.minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorHD+ accepts PayPal as a payment method for online purchases in its webshop. PayPal processes credit card payments, direct debit, and 'Kauf auf Rechnung' (buy now, pay later) for HD+ orders, with PayPal bearing responsibility for payment processing and credit checks.
• Meta Platforms (Facebook/Instagram)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerHD+ uses Meta Platforms Conversion and Retargeting Tags (Meta Pixel) on its website for paid social advertising and audience targeting on Facebook and Instagram. HD+ maintains official Facebook and Instagram pages.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves1 record

Expansion highlights5 records

Emerging players

• 1&1 / 1&1 Versatel: 1&1 Versatel is a major German telecommunications provider offering IPTV and internet-based TV services to German households. Comparable as an alternative IPTV distribution channel competing with HD+ IP offering for German broadband subscribers seeking TV services bundled with internet.
• RTL+ (RTL Deutschland): RTL+ is the direct-to-consumer streaming platform of RTL Deutschland, which is one of the broadcasters whose encrypted HD channels HD+ distributes. Comparable as a competing premium TV subscription in Germany targeting the same households; HD+ serves as the distribution layer for RTL's HD content while RTL+ pursues direct streaming.
• Joyn (ProSiebenSat.1): Joyn is the streaming platform of ProSiebenSat.1 Media, another broadcaster whose encrypted HD channels HD+ distributes. Comparable as a German streaming competitor offering live TV and on-demand content from the same broadcaster portfolio that HD+ aggregates.

Broad incumbents

• SES S.A. (Astra): SES S.A. is the parent company of HD PLUS GmbH and operator of the Astra satellite fleet that HD+ uses for nationwide signal distribution. Comparable as the underlying satellite infrastructure provider and group parent, with HD+ being one of several video distribution businesses within SES.
• Samsung TV Plus: Samsung TV Plus is Samsung's free ad-supported streaming television (FAST) service pre-installed on Samsung Smart TVs. Comparable because it is one of the OEM-embedded TV platforms that competes with HD+ for viewer attention on the same Samsung TVs where HD+ is also pre-installed.
• LG Channels: LG Channels is LG's free ad-supported streaming TV service pre-installed on LG Smart TVs. Comparable as an OEM-embedded competitor for attention on LG TVs where HD+ is also pre-installed, offering free content that competes with HD+ Free.

Direct peers

• Zattoo: Zattoo is a German/European IPTV streaming platform offering live TV channels via internet. Directly comparable as both a peer (competing for IPTV viewers in Germany) and a partner (HD+ uses Zattoo's infrastructure for HD+ IP-App and Premium Upgrade streaming delivery).
• Sky Deutschland: Sky Deutschland is Germany's largest pay-TV operator offering satellite, cable, and OTT distribution of premium content including sports and entertainment. Directly comparable to HD+ as a pay-TV distributor in Germany with overlapping content (Sky even resells HD+ via its 'HD+ über Sky' channel partnership) and overlapping customer base of premium German TV households.
• Waipu.tv: Waipu.tv is a leading German IPTV / live TV streaming provider offering 200+ channels via internet without satellite dish. Comparable to HD+'s IP delivery stack and competes for the same cord-cutting German households seeking cable/satellite alternatives, with a similar freemium + subscription revenue model.
• MagentaTV (Deutsche Telekom): MagentaTV is Deutsche Telekom's IPTV and streaming service bundling live TV, on-demand content, and MagentaSport. Comparable as a pay-TV provider in Germany offering both satellite/cable-distributed channels and IP streaming, competing for German households seeking premium TV subscriptions.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/HDPLUSGmbH
• Facebookfacebook.com/hdplusgmbh
• LinkedInuy.linkedin.com/company/hd-plus
• Instagraminstagram.com/hdplus.official
• TikToktiktok.com/@hdplus.official
• Xx.com/hdplus_presse

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about HD+