Details of Freeview’s high definition plans were released last week. Ofcom have announced there will be four slots available - one of which will go to the BBC and the others will be bidded on between ITV, Channel 4, S4C and Five. Because the high definition channels will be broadcast in MPEG-4 instead of MPEG-2, this will mean special high definition Freeview boxes will be needed in order to watch these channels. It is hoped high definition on Freeview will get underway as early as 2009. BBC HD trials were previously run in special test areas - namely the London area - on Freeview. If you want to read some more details on the Freeview HD plans revealed last week, please click here for a Digital Spy article.
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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.
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.
Virgin Media has signed a deal with Channel 4 that will bring high definition content to the Channel 4 listings on Catch Up TV On Demand. HD content from Channel 4 will be available for up to seven days after original transmissions - the same as normal (SD) content. This new deal between Virgin Media and Channel 4 also means Virgin have the choice to add the Channel 4 HD TV channel to their lineup (in addition to the On Demand material), if they decide to.
The BBC high-definition trial on DTT has finished. The trial was available for selected viewers in the London area, fed by the Crystal Palace transmitter. BBC HD trials have been extended on Sky and cable.
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