ImCal
20th September 2007, 12:41
http://www.uksatcentre.com/forums/showthread.php?p=31963#post31963
Reposted into this section as well.
Channel 4 is to launch a high definition simulcast of its flagship analogue network on Sky's digital satellite service in December.
The broadcaster will become the first terrestrial analogue network to launch a full-schedule HD channel in the UK.
However, at launch Channel 4 will only produce and transmit a "proportion" of programmes on its schedule in HD, with future plans to increase investment on programming in this format.
"The launch Channel 4 HD represents an early, cost efficient entry into a valuable, emerging market and an important enhancement to the service offered to the rapidly increasing number of HD viewers," said the Channel 4 director of new business, Rod Henwood.
"We believe that increased investment in HD at this stage could help boost HD production for the benefit of producers of Channel 4 programmes who will find their programmes more saleable in the international market."
Channel 4's new HD simulcast will initially be available to digital satellite subscribers to Sky HD. There are plans to make it available on digital cable TV and Freeview in the future.
The BBC is currently trialling an HD channel of programming from across its channels on digital satellite and cable TV.
However, the official launch of a BBC HD channel is dependent on the BBC Trust giving it the green light in its upcoming public value test, the result of which is due to be announced on September 25.
Separately, MTV Networks International yesterday announced plans to launch the Viacom-owned company's first pan-European HD service next year.
The HD service will feature MTV Unplugged, VH1 Storytellers and a children's programming block including Ren and Stimpy and SpongeBob SquarePants, as well as acquired programming.
Reposted into this section as well.
Channel 4 is to launch a high definition simulcast of its flagship analogue network on Sky's digital satellite service in December.
The broadcaster will become the first terrestrial analogue network to launch a full-schedule HD channel in the UK.
However, at launch Channel 4 will only produce and transmit a "proportion" of programmes on its schedule in HD, with future plans to increase investment on programming in this format.
"The launch Channel 4 HD represents an early, cost efficient entry into a valuable, emerging market and an important enhancement to the service offered to the rapidly increasing number of HD viewers," said the Channel 4 director of new business, Rod Henwood.
"We believe that increased investment in HD at this stage could help boost HD production for the benefit of producers of Channel 4 programmes who will find their programmes more saleable in the international market."
Channel 4's new HD simulcast will initially be available to digital satellite subscribers to Sky HD. There are plans to make it available on digital cable TV and Freeview in the future.
The BBC is currently trialling an HD channel of programming from across its channels on digital satellite and cable TV.
However, the official launch of a BBC HD channel is dependent on the BBC Trust giving it the green light in its upcoming public value test, the result of which is due to be announced on September 25.
Separately, MTV Networks International yesterday announced plans to launch the Viacom-owned company's first pan-European HD service next year.
The HD service will feature MTV Unplugged, VH1 Storytellers and a children's programming block including Ren and Stimpy and SpongeBob SquarePants, as well as acquired programming.