The BBC Trust has today approved the BBC's proposal for a mixed-genre high definition terrestrial TV channel.
BBC HD will launch on cable and Sky satellite as soon as possible, on "Freesat" when the platform launches, and on Freeview as soon as is feasible. (freesat launched on 6th May 2008)
Specifically, the Trust made the following decisions:
BBC HD on Cable and Satellite
A nine-hour daily schedule will run from 3pm to midnight, available when a service licence is effective. When "Freesat" launches the channel will automatically be a part of the offering.
Freeview
Provision of BBC HD on Freeview will be reviewed by the Trust in Spring 2008, "when it is envisaged there will be greater clarity on HD broadcast standards and the spectrum capacity available to provide the channel."
However, there will be no interim four-hour overnight service on Freeview, due to technical constraints and public scepticism:
"An interim overnight service should not be launched before the review of DTT provision in 2008 nor before equipment is available that allows viewers to access both an interim service and new services after switchover.
However, the Trust did approve the option of the BBC providing the four-hour overnight service, once such equipment is available, for regions where late digital switchover means that these regions would not otherwise have access to HD programming."
Simulcasting BBC One
The Trust agreed that providing a range of high definition programming from across the BBC's portfolio was more important than simply simulcasting prime-time BBC One programming. "Nonetheless, it should provide a coherent, mixed-genre schedule which can draw on BBC One prime-time programmes."
Programming mix
"The channel should be a mixed genre high definition channel. The channel will allow for up to 20% of sport and film content and should not become a head-on competitor for sports and movie HD channels."
HD Resolution
"We would expect that future transmission of higher resolution picture standards would be backwards compatible with current display equipment. Any move towards the 1080p picture resolution standard should be undertaken with minimal disadvantage to consumers."
Does this mean 1080i? 720p? Even suggesting a move to 1080p is fairly bold, and I'd suggest some significant way off.
BBC HD over the Internet and IPTV
As operators are able to support demand, BBC HD content should be made available via IPTV.
HD content on-demand over the Internet is seen as providing public value, however the volumes that can be made available are expected to be very small in the short to medium term, due to technical constraints. This remains under review.
Read the official statement from the BBC Trust plus the BBC's reaction.
Hey, some of us with our own PVR solutions are all ready for HD-freeview, bring it on. Elgato EyeTV already supports the DVBT HD in Australia, assuming the UK system will use a similar method. My Mac Mini is just waiting for the say-so.
Great news... BBC HD is here to stay.
If the BBC creates soon a 1080p besides 720p and 1080i channel with excellent programmes, than not only would it be a world's first, but solve its financial problems also - People around the world would probbaly want to subscribe to it - interesting.