freesat service will include HD broadcasts
The freesat satellite service kicks off early next year in the UK and high-definition broadcasts will definitely be part of the mix. (freesat launched on 6th May 2008)
Sources at ITV have confirmed that they would start transmitting HDTV broadcasts on FreeSat, as well as investing in the FreeSat platform. Under an ambitious turn around plan by new ITV boss, Michael Grade, transmissions will begin with a two-hour slot during primetime and rising to three hours.
There will be £10m invested in FreeSat and the new HD service with the BBC's trial HD service carrying over to FreeSat and being expanded.
The UK's Digital TV Group is already carrying out independent conformance tests on set-top boxes for the new service. The ultimate aim is to see the platform evolve into a service that offers more than 200 channels, and some HD channels on launch, for a one off box payment.
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