BBC Gears Up For High Definition Launch

The BBC will air its first high definition programmes this month, showing Bleak House and the first part of Planet Earth via Sky’s HD platform over the Whitsun Bank Holiday.

The Corporation will also begin terrestrial HD broadcasts this week, marking the start of a 12 month trial across the London area.

Bleak House and Blue Planet will be the first BBC programmes to air via Sky HD (see HD Programmes To Air On Sky From 22nd May), hitting high definition screens between 27 and 29 May. Prior to this, the Corporation will show a promotional preview to HD viewers through Sky’s system.

In addition to broadcast on Sky’s HD platform, and local terrestrial tests in London, the BBC has confirmed that HD content will be carried in “some cable areas” in time for the World Cup, following a successful carriage agreement with NTL Telewest.

The Corporation has already announced its intention to simulcast its World Cup and Wimbledon coverage in high definition, starting on 9 June (see BBC To Screen World Cup And Wimbledon In HD).

From July, the Corporation plans to show highlights of its regular content in high definition, including a mix of drama, documentaries, events and music for a few hours each day.

BBC director of television, Jana Bennett, announced the plans, stating: “These are small but exciting first steps in the BBC’s ambition to offer the option of high definition to all in the future.

“It’s clear that licence fee payers expect high definition broadcasts from the BBC, the same way they have moved to colour television, widescreen, digital radio and online services with us in the past.”

BBC: 020 8743 8000 www.bbc.co.uk