Ofcom has announced the planned transmission of four new High-Definition Freeview channels in time to coincide with the digital switchover due to finish in 2012.
“This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to upgrade digital terrestrial television,” said the Ofcom chief executive Ed Richards. “It offers benefits for broadcasters – who will be able to launch new services without using any new spectrum – and viewers – who will have access to new channels and services on free to air.”
Three new HD channels will be launched next year along with a fourth in 2012. The BBC will keep one of the channels and the remaining channels will be auctioned to the commercial networks ITV, Channel 4, Five and the Welsh network S4C.
Currently, HD TV can only be obtained through a Sky or Virgin Media subscription. With this change, Freeview, which has no subscription, will offer HD channels to its viewers.
However, to take advantage of the new channels on Freeview, a HD-ready television and a new set-top box will be required. Digital terrestrial users will be able to access the channels as regions take part in the digital switchover.
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