New BBC Bandwidth Could Lead To HDTV Launch
The BBC has acquired extra satellite bandwidth from Luxembourg-based SES Global, but this morning denied that it was preparing for an imminent launch of high definition (HD) services.
A spokeswoman for the Corporation was quick to quash reports that a roll-out of superior quality broadcasts was on the cards, stating that, although there has been extensive research and development in the area, public value tests and the lack of a HDTV infrastructure, currently stand in the way.
“We have many plans for satellite, as we do on other platforms,” explained the BBC spokeswoman, “but we have not announced plans to broadcast in HD and are in the process of actively considering our plans.”
The BBC is understood to be technically equipped for HD broadcasts, however, with the Corporation’s spokeswoman confirming: “Technically, particularly on the production and resources sides, we have pioneering facilities, but that does not equate to a plan to broadcast.
“We have always said that when there are commercial platforms, including Sky, that we would consider a trial. We haven’t made a decision on that, but clearly cable are also launching HD services, so that presents another opportunity.”
Sky currently plans to launch their services in early 2006, with details of packages, equipment and the broadcaster’s HD channel line-up recently given an inadvertent public airing online (see Sky Gives Sneak Peak Of HDTV Launch).
The Sky system will include the roll out of a new HD-ready set-top box, incorporating Sky+ PVR features as standard, and rumoured to pack a broadband modem in order to provide on-demand content via IPTV technology (see New Sky Box To Pack Broadband For On-Demand TV).
SES Global declined to comment on the BBC’s latest bandwidth acquisition, however, the Corporation has spoken out over its plans to use new technology in the past. Director general Mark Thompson pledged to drive the broadcaster forward at a recent Westminster Media Forum meeting, claiming that the adoption of new technologies is the best route to better public services. Amongst those detailed by Thompson were digital television, digital radio, new media and on-demand services (see Thompson Pledges Drive For Digital Revolution).
Meanwhile, other broadcasters have begun experimenting with high definition services, with cable provider ntl investigating the use of ultra-fast broadband connections to provide high-quality content via IPTV over standard phone lines (see NTL Trials High Definition TV With Ultra Fast Broadband).
BBC: 020 8743 8000 www.bbc.co.uk