Digital TV News

BBC1 to launch high-definition channel this autumn

Tuesday 1 June, 2010

By Becca Talbot - becca@consumerchoices.co.uk

Public service broadcaster, the BBC, has revealed that it will be launching a high-definition (HD) simulcast of BBC1 before the end of the year.

BBC1 HD will show exactly the same programmes as BBC1 at exactly the same time, including EastEnders, Holby City and Strictly Come Dancing, but in super sharp high-definition.

BBC1 HD will be available to all homes with a HD ready TV and set-top box from a digital TV provider such as Freesat, Freeview, Sky or Virgin Media, by the end of the year.

Danielle Nagler, head of BBC HD, said: “HD is the future of television. People who have HD have clearly told us that they want more of their licence fee-funded content in HD.”

The new channel will join the existing BBC HD channel, which already showcases a select number of programmes in high-definition from across all the BBC channels.

“Audiences have already been enjoying many BBC One programmes in HD on our existing HD channel and the arrival of BBC1 simulcast in HD will make it easier for them to find the programmes they love in high-definition,” said Nagler.

She added that the BBC is working to deliver all of its programmes in high-definition eventually.

The original BBC HD channel, which was launched in December 2007, was the UK’s first free-to-view high-definition TV channel. Last year it was awarded the title of Channel of the Year by Freesat.

Jon Ingram, operations director at Digitalchoices.co.uk, said: “It’s great to hear that the BBC is finally launching a high-definition simulcast of BBC1. BBC1 offers some of the nation’s favourite shows, including The Apprentice and The One Show.”