A 1980 French-German agreement to develop compatible direct broadcast satellite systems led to the creation of the French TDF (Télédiffusion de France) series of satellites which were launched in 1988 and 1990. The technical specifications of TDF are also virtually identical to those of TV-Sat, and both satellites share the same geostationary locale near 19 degrees W

Based on Aerospatiale's Spacebus-300 platform, TDF spacecraft are about 1.3 metric tons on station with bus dimensions of 1.6 m by 2.4 m by 7.1 m and a payload mass of 250 kg. The solar arrays span 19.3 m and provide 4.3 kW at start of life. Both spacecraft carry five, high power (230 W) 18/12 GHz transponders and are located at 19 degrees W.