BBC HD Gets Thumbs Up November 20, 2007
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The BBC’s plans to launch a high definition (HD) TV channel, BBC HD, have been given the final green light by the BBC Trust following positive consumer feedback. The consumer feedback process began back in September.
The channel has been running in a trial format on Sky but the plans now are for a 9-hour channel of HD goodies to start running on cable and Sky satellite ‘as soon as possible’. A launch on Freesat will follow once the platform launches but Freeview viewers may feel a little left out in the cold.
Earlier Beeb plans to launch a 4-hour overnight service on Freeview have been shelved by the Trust, at least until after a 2008 review of current ‘digital spectrum capacity issues’.
Diane Coyle, BBC Trustee and Chair of the Public Value Test Steering Group said:
“The Trust is pleased to approve the new HD television channel on all platforms. After considering all the evidence we are satisfied that the public value generated is sufficiently high and there is unlikely to be a negative impact on the market.
"High Definition will eventually become a significant broadcasting standard and, as with all BBC services for which everyone pays, it is essential that this is universally available as soon as possible. This means the Trust will consider in spring 2008 the timing of the launch on Freeview, when there should be greater clarity on HD broadcast standards and the spectrum capacity available for the channel."
Jana Bennett, Director of BBC Vision, added:
"BBC HD will be available on cable, satellite and – in due course – on digital terrestrial and the Internet. HD is the next generation of television, offering the richest, most intense viewing experience imaginable. Audiences can look forward to the likes of Earth – Power Of The Planet, Cranford, Torchwood, Hammonds Heroes, Diary Of Anne Frank, Around The World In 80 Gardens and Live At The Apollo in extraordinary sound and vision.”
The launch of BBC HD is expected in 2008.-Martin Lynch
Editor and Contributor | Martin Lynch
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Comments
We invested in a V+ box earlier in the year and Strictly Come Dancing in HD is fantastic!
Can't beat a bit of 720p Brucey.