BBC Trust approves HD channel plans

The BBC Trust, which governs the BBC, has approved plans for a high definition TV channel following a Public Value Test into the High Definition plans, the conclusions of which have now been published.

The Trust concluded that an HD television channel would generate sufficient public value and was not likely to have a negative effect on the market.

The BBC has approved the launch of an HD channel on cable and Sky satellite as soon as possible, on “Freesat” when this platform is launched, and on Freeview after a review of digital spectrum capacity which is scheduled for 2008.

The Trust vetoed plans to launch an interim 4-hour overnight service on Freeview, before technical standards for providing HD on Freeview, and availability of spectrum capacity are clearer. It felt that an interim service could confuse consumers and cause them to buy equipment which could become obsolete.

According to the Trust, the HD channel should be mixed genre, with up to 20% of sport and film content. It should not become a direct competitor for sports and movie HD channels.