Freeview HD has finally officially launched, bringing free high definition televisions through the airwaves with no need for a satellite or cable connection.
Although people will need a Freeview HD ready box, the subscription-free progression of Freeview will bring events like the World Cup in high definition to a huge audience.
"High definition television comes of age today with the launch of the new HD service from Freeview, the UK's most popular digital TV platform," said Freeview's release.
Benefit
"With the arrival of Freeview HD, millions of TV lovers will benefit from free HD channels without installation, offering the quality viewers have come to expect from HD - up to five times more detail than standard definition and the possibility of stunning 5.1 surround sound," it added
"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 which puts Freeview HD coverage on track to reach up to 50% of the UK by the World Cup."
Only three channels will be available from launch, with the BBC HD channel, a dedicated channel from ITV - ITV1 HD - and Channel 4 HD (or S4C) all up and running.
Access and availability
"Freeview is taking the experience of stunning HD to a new level of access and availability, said Ilse Howling, Managing Director of Freeview.
"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."
Danielle Nagler, Controller of BBC HD at the BBC added: "It's important to us that everyone in the UK who wants to, can enjoy the best of the BBC's programmes in HD.
"The arrival of HD on Freeview is a big step forward for HD and for UK audiences."
Your comments (2) Click to add a new comment
watcherzero
March 30th 2010
2. Its launched where regions have gone digital and had the analog switch off, their transmitters converted.
The DSO is planned (smartly) by a process of converting sequentially in regions where there is the fewest transmitters, meaning less interference and fewer problems for the next switchover, etc, etc.
Alert a moderator
healeydave
March 30th 2010
1. This good news is somewhat tainted by the fact that in this day and age, UK companies still bring new technologies on-line with such poor saturation, concentrating on a such a small number of big cities.
Whilst I understand, rolling out to fringe area's with few customer numbers that would benefit might be considered in the "to add later" pile, but I live in the Midlands, only 26 miles away from Birmingham. You would have thought a well populated area of the country, not just my area but the whole of the central region could easily be brought on-line at the same time.
It seems very archaic and short-sighted in the 21st century for companies to launch in 1 or 2 major cities and then boast proudly about their accomplishment (or lack off as far as I'm concerned).
Alert a moderator
Tell us what you think
You need to Log in or register to post comments