The main terrestrial channels will launch high definition services on Freeview as early as 2009 - using new technology on a brand new DTT multiplex. The BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and Five will all start up HD services on DTT.
Monthly Archive for November, 2007
The channel reshuffle for ex-Telewest areas is now complete - all channels on both ex-NTL and ex-Telewest areas now have the same channel numbers, and consistent lineups. A few channels are still only available on ex-Telewest (or only available on ex-NTL) though. In other Virgin Media news, the additional Discovery and National Geographic content has been added to On Demand (in TV Choice).
Tests for extended Top Up TV Anytime space is underway - Top Up TV have been testing the space that used to be occupied by Teachers’ TV (11am to 1pm) before Teachers’ TV moved to a new timeslot on Freeview.
BBC HD - the high definition service on cable and Sky - has been approved by the BBC Trust and it’s thought it will officially launch next year. The channel has currently been in the trial phase for some time and has been available to those with a V+ box. The fully launched channel will consist of 9 hours worth of high def programming.
A press release on the Virgin Media website says “Virgin Media is beefing up its on demand offering this month by adding a wealth of factual and lifestyle programmes to its line-up. Over 80 hours of science, nature and lifestyle shows from National Geographic Channel and Discovery Channel will be available to Virgin Media customers from November”. Watch this space.
QVC have renewed their Freeview carriage, meaning their position on Freeview has been secured until 2022.
The hours for UKTV Gold on Top Up TV’s linear lineup have changed. The channel now runs on Top Up TV from 5pm to 11.30pm in order to allow Anytime programming to download for an extra hour and a half every day. The off-air MHEG screens on the three Anytime channels display the new broadcast hours for UKTV Gold.
Arsenal TV will launch on the Virgin Media platform on the 14th January 2008. The initial launch was expected to happen in December 2007, but this has been pushed back until the New Year.
