Digital TV News

Six Nations 2010 rugby to air in high-definition

Friday 29 January, 2010

By Becca Talbot - becca@consumerchoices.co.uk

Rugby fans will be able to watch this year’s Six Nations Championships in super sharp high-definition (HD) for the first time ever, on BBC One and BBC HD.

The BBC will be showing every game of the 2010 Six Nations Championship in high-definition (HD) for the first time, kicking off with Ireland against Italy on Saturday 6 February, on BBC One and BBC HD from 2pm.

Programmes in high-definition have a clearer picture and sharper sound, though to watch the tournament in HD quality rugby fans will need HD ready TVs.

Carl Hicks, the BBC Six Nations rugby editor, said: “This year is the 10th anniversary of the Six Nations and it continues to keep us on the edge of our seats, with any team capable of beating any other on their day.”

He added: “The occasion will be even more of a viewing spectacle as every game, from the northern hemisphere’s premier rugby tournament will be available in high-definition.”

All matches will be shown live on BBC One and BBC HD, apart from France vs Italy on 14 March, which will be shown on BBC Two.

All games will also be streamed live on the BBC Sport website and made available on-demand via the BBC iPlayer for a week after being broadcast.

Jon Ingram, operations director at Digitalchoices.co.uk, said: “Sports fans with HD ready TVs are in for a real treat this year.”

“BBC HD is available through satellite TV services Sky (www.sky.com) and Freesat, as well as the cable TV package from Virgin Media (www.virginmedia.com) , so if you haven’t already switched to digital, now is the perfect opportunity,” added Ingram.