The number of Europe’s HD channels is expected to triple by 2013.

Thomas Wrede, vice-president of product management media at SES Astra, reckoned the number of HD channels on Europe’s satellite systems would increase from 280 today to around 600 in three years’ time.

According to Broadband TV News, Mr Wrede pointed out that some broadcasters were not finding it easy to make a living from HD, which is why the majority of HD channels in Germany, for example, are offered by pay-TV operators.

Some 97 per cent of TVs sold in Europe are now HD-ready, he said. “It is clear that HD will be mainstream.”