UK - BBC HD to launch on 1 December

BBC HD, the UK’s first free-to-air high definition television channel, launches tomorrow (Saturday 1 December) on satellite and cable.

Jana Bennett, Director of BBC Vision, said: “I am delighted that BBC HD, the UK’s first public service HD channel, is officially launching tomorrow, after the BBC Trust gave its approval last week. HD is the next generation of television and a real opportunity for programme-makers to reach out to the audience in ways they have never done before. HD is a real creative enabler making our programmes even more powerful and outstanding.”

Seetha Kumar, Head of BBC HD, said “We are already recognised for setting the benchmark for quality in HD programming. We start with a fabulous weekend of TV – Strictly Come Dancing, Electric Proms with Paul McCartney, Earth – Power of the Planet and Cranford to name a few.”

BBC HD is available on channel 143 on Sky and on channel 108 on Virgin Media.