High Definition Hardware

BBC HD to extend broadcast hours in September

The BBC has confirmed that, during September, the HD channel will begin programming at 7pm on weekday evenings, and earlier at weekends, with the view to expanding programming even further before the end of the year.

Coverage of the Beijing Paralympics is currently a highlight on the channel, but it's worth noting that extended viewing hours doesn't necessarily mean more current high definition programming. Having said that, the BBC has also confirmed that "Friday Night with Jonathan Ross" is now airing in high definition, and the BBC in particular continues to invest into creating original drama in high definition (such as Mutual Friends) as well as a selection from other genres.

(Via HDTVUK)

Summer of HD from the BBC

The BBC’s HD stream is due to begin broadcasting via satellite on the weekend of May 27-29. That weekend will see the Beeb screen five episodes of the fantastic Planet Earth, plus the entire Dicken’s drama Bleak House, as a celebratory curtain-raiser to its Summer of HD.

 

Commencing on June 9, the BBC’s World Cup coverage will also be in HD, along with major Wimbledon matches. From July the channel will show an assortment of drama, factual programming and music.

BBC backing increases interest in High Definition

It seems clear that the chance to get World Cup footie in High Definition has been the sweetener for many of those consumers who had been umming and ahhing about High Definition. Confirmation of Sky’s HD service along with the BBCs announcement of World Cup and Wimbledon coverage certainly adds a bit more weight to what was initially thought by some to be a mediocre offering of content.

BBC to screen World Cup in HD

The BBC has confirmed it is to screen this summer's World Cup along with the Wimbledon championships in High-definition.

The trial run of the service will include the BBC's share of World Cup matches and key Wimbledon ties in June.

The corporation is trying out HDTV for up to a year, starting in mid-May.

You will of course not only need a HD Ready television but also the relevant service via a satellite or cable distributor.

The first World Cup match and live HDTV programme to be broadcast will be Germany v Costa Rica on 9 June, which will also include match commentary and studio coverage.

The feed will come from Premiere, Germany's host broadcasters for the tournament.

The trial, expected to last between six and 12 months, will begin in May with streams of programmes, including the highly popular Planet Earth series.

Chances to revisit action from dramas Hotel Babylon and Bleak House will also be offered.

UKTV to broadcast World Cup in HD?

Will they, won't they?

Possibly just one wing of the BBC not knowing what another is doing, but a report on the BBC website says that  ‘The BBC is among European broadcasters due to broadcast matches in HD standard for those with the suitable equipment to receive it.’

Interestingly enough, UKTV has signed a deal to air extensive coverage of this summer's World Cup tournament - including live matches.