BBC website says World Cup will be shown in HD
It might just be one wing of the BBC not knowing what another wing is doing , but a report on the Beeb's website says that ‘The BBC is among European broadcasters due to broadcast matches in HD standard for those with the suitable equipment to receive it.’
It is tucked away in a story on how top trade journal Screen Digest reckons that there could well be a shortage of HDTV decoder chips for tellies. It doesn't say how the Beeb will screen the programmes in HD but we are guessing that a slot on the Astra satellite – which will be picked up by Sky HD system owners - is likely as is screening the games though cable channel Telewest.
‘European players are struggling to get HD-capable set-top-boxes in sufficient numbers for consumers,’ says the study. The reports is however upbeat about the prospects for HDTV with analyst Vincent Letang saying ‘The World Cup in Germany was supposed to be the perfect kick-start for HD in Europe and its full thrust will be partly missed, but this does not jeopardise the introduction of HDTV.’
The report said Europe had 2m ‘HD-ready’ households by the end of 2005 and by 2010 there will be more than 50m HDTV sets in place.
I emailed the BBC on this subject and got the following reply
Dear Peter
Thank you for your e-mail regarding HD broadcasts and the BBC's coverage of the 'World Cup'.
I understand you feel the event should be broadcast in High Definition. The BBC has traditionally looked to take advantage of technological advances to add value for licence payers. We are actively looking at how we might offer High Definition broadcasts in the future, and as you are aware began trial broadcasts this year. These trials are not universally available, as although HDTV sets capable of displaying the pictures are now sold, suitable receivers are not generally available yet. BBC HD broadcasts will enhance existing services and be free at the point of use.
No indication has been made as to when HD broadcasts will begin across the board. Nevertheless, please be assured I have registered your comments regarding this issue and have made them available to our reception department, programme makers and the senior BBC management. Feedback of this nature helps us when making decisions about future BBC programmes and your comment will play a part in this process.
Thank you again for taking the time to contact the BBC.
Regards
Adam Sims
BBC Information
Posted by: Pete | March 21, 2006 11:51 PM