Freeview officially launches HD service today

Freeview officially launches its new HD service today, with Channel 4 HD joining ITV1 HD and the BBC HD channel on Freeview HD.

Freeview said that from tomorrow, around 4.5 million new homes will come into Freeview HD coverage for the first time, including the cities of Birmingham, Leeds and Cardiff – putting Freeview HD coverage on track to reach up to 50% of the UK by the World Cup.

S4C is also launching an HD channel, Clirlun, on Freeview in Wales on 30 April.

Later this week, Freeview will launch a £6 million marketing campaign  – its largest to date – with a series of TV ads carrying the slogan ‘It feels good to Freeview’.

The campaign, called ‘Great Combinations’ combines scenes from everyday TV programmes with backdrops of established, epic visuals. The first of a series of eight ads will break on Saturday 3 April, with the campaign will run until the end of the World Cup and returning at Christmas.

Ilse Howling, managing director of Freeview, said: “Freeview is taking the experience of stunning HD to a new level of access and availability.

“Our high definition service offers many of the UK’s favourite shows in glorious high definition and as always with Freeview, you just need to buy the equipment and there’s no contract or monthly bills.

“And with the World Cup just around the corner, there is no better time for viewers to embrace High Definition TV.”

David Dorans, head of distribution & broadcast technology at Channel 4, said: “The growing appetite for HD across the UK is clear to see. I am delighted that Channel 4 HD will be available on Freeview and we look forward to delivering to millions more viewers even more of the shows they love in stunning high definition.”