Now that many of us have skinny HDTVs, it would be nice to have more content to watch on them. BBC watchdog, the BBC Trust, has approved the Beeb's plans for a dedicated high definition channel and has opened the floor to us consumers, for the next four weeks, about what form it should take.
The two proposals for the “mixed-genre” HD channel, which will be launched on digital satellite, digital cable and digital terrestrial television (DTT or Freeview) are as follows:
1. Satellite and cable: the proposal is for a nine-hour service broadcasting from 15.00 to midnight, with some flexibility to extend beyond this to allow coverage of significant live sport or other events.
2. DTT: two options are proposed – (i) after digital switchover a full nine-hour service as described above or in the meantime (ii) a four-hour schedule broadcasting overnight between 02.00 and 06.00.
Either way, the Trust has found that a HD channel would be a very welcome addition. Here, here.
According to Diane Coyle, BBC Trustee and Chair of the Public Value Test Steering Group:
“Our view is that these proposals would deliver significant public value and create very little adverse market impact. As a result, we have provisionally approved them, subject to conditions to safeguard or enhance the public value and minimise any adverse market impact.
Our provisional conclusions are now open to public consultation and we would like to hear from as many members of the public and stakeholders as possible before reaching our final decision. We are particularly interested in the public's view about the options for an HD channel on Freeview.
Would licence fee payers prefer the BBC to launch a four-hour service immediately, before a nine-hour service is possible because of spectrum capacity, even if that means having to buy two set-top boxes within a very short period of time?"
Have an opinion? If so, go here and let fly. A trial version of BBC HD is available through Sky HD now. -Martin Lynch
TV BBC HD HDTV
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Editor and Contributor | Martin Lynch
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Comments
Hey, I have a projection set and its HD, and runs SKY HD perfectly, so not all HD sets are skinny.
when you have freeview built in to your hd ready screen does this mean that you automatically can view in hd when they start broadcasting hd content.
regards paul
you need a hd freeview reciever which are rare and costly at the mo like humax
you need a hd freeview reciever which are rare and costly at the mo like humax
you need a hd freeview reciever which are rare and costly at the mo like humax