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BBC approves HD channel

19/11/2007

The BBC Trust has approved plans to launch a high definition (HD) television channel, though Freeview users will have to wait for its debut.

The governing body said it was "essential" that HD TV be made "universally available", with a launch on cable and Sky satellite "as soon as possible".

While the channel will air on the BBC's free-to-view digital satellite service, Freesat, when it is launched, a Freeview service has been delayed as viewers would have to purchase a new set-top box.

"We believe there is currently too great a risk of confusing customers due to the need for upgrades," said BBC trustee Diane Coyle.

The channel will have an interim four-hour overnight service - for which Freeview users would have to buy a new set-top box - before moving to a 15:00 to midnight service, again necessitating an upgrade for Freeview audiences.

Mark Thompson, BBC director general, commented: "We are delighted that the BBC Trust has approved the BBC Executive's high definition television proposals, allowing us to launch the UK's first free-to-air, mixed-genre public service HDTV channel.

"The BBC has pioneered high definition broadcasting in the UK, setting industry standards and defining the HD viewing experience for audiences.

"The trust concluded that such a channel would create significant public value and benefit licence fee payers."

And Jana Bennett, director of BBC Vision, said the new channel "will showcase a rich mix of the BBC's programmes from across its channel portfolio in true, native, high definition".

She added: "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, Hammond's Heroes, Diary of Anne Frank, Around the World in 80 Gardens and Live at the Apollo in extraordinary sound and vision."