Orange joins movistar: champions league in hdr arrives for football fans
Spanish football fans, rejoice! Orange TV subscribers with a football package can now enjoy the UEFA Champions League in stunning HDR quality, mirroring a move already made by Movistar Plus+. The rollout, confirmed on April 6th, 2026, brings a significant visual upgrade to European club football coverage.
Why the delay? champions league's evolving standards
While Movistar Plus+ launched these HDR channels back in March, Orange’s implementation was, as is often the case, a more measured affair. The operator, like its competitor, needed to conduct rigorous testing to ensure seamless and reliable transmission – a crucial step for a live sports broadcast.
The impetus for this shift isn't a decision unique to Orange, but rather a broader strategic move by UEFA. The governing body has adopted HDR broadcasting for the Champions League this season, though not for every match. This is a key distinction from LaLiga EA Sports, which embraced HDR imagery much earlier in the 2025/2026 season.
The HDR treatment won't be available from the very first whistle, however. UEFA is reserving the enhanced visual fidelity for the Quarter-final stage and beyond, starting with the highly anticipated clash between Real Madrid and Bayern Munich on April 7th, 2026. The staggered rollout explains why these channels weren’t introduced sooner, aligning with UEFA’s schedule rather than an operational delay on either Movistar Plus+ or Orange's end.
What channels to watch
For those tuning in, here’s what you need to know: The Champions League HDR action can be found on channels 116 (Champions League HDR) and 124 (Champions League 2 HDR) on Orange TV. Be sure to check the programming guide (available on the web, app, or decoder) to confirm which channel is carrying the specific match you want to see.
This expansion represents a tangible benefit for subscribers and underscores the growing trend of premium sports broadcasting leveraging advanced visual technologies. The move elevates the viewing experience, especially for a competition known for its high stakes and dramatic moments. The question, of course, remains: will this enhanced quality translate to even more nail-biting finishes?