BBC Launches HD Channel

[Poke]

BBC Launches HD Channel

The Queen's annual Christmas message will be in high-def.
By Swanni

Washington, D.C. (December 3, 2007) -- The BBC launched its first High-Definition channel over the weekend in the UK.

The network says shows such as Strictly Come Dancing and Cranford will be available in high-def.

In addition, the BBC will broadcast the Queen's annual Christmas message in HD for the first time.

According to the BBC, the new high-def channel is available on cable and satellite. However, viewers of the UK's Freeview will have to wait because the free Digital TV service does not have room for the channel at this time.

The network's web site reports that the new high-def channel will operate for at least four hours a day at first, expanding to nine hours (3 p.m. to midnight) in the "coming years."

The BBC says upcoming HD shows will include The Tales Of Beatrix Potter With The Royal Ballet, Carmen, Jools Holland's Hootenanny and To The Manor Born.

Movies such as Kill Bill and Sin City will also be shown later this month.

The BBC has also said it plans to offer a high-def version of BBC America in the United States sometime next year.

 

[Peter Parker]

To The Manor Born? Is that the original series form the late 70s early 80s?

 

[jokeworm]

To The Manor Born? Is that the original series form the late 70s early 80s?

Yes - That's the one .. however they are making a new one-off special for Christmas ...

'To the Manor Born' tops BBC Christmas TV - Telegraph

 

[jegrant]

They have already been advertising BBC America HD. This is one of the few HD channels I would actually look for when considering HD providers.

I wonder if it will be distributed as part of the Discovery digital networks, just like BBC America SD is. That would make it easier on subscribers, since most providers already carry Discovery HD networks.