BBC to broadcast Wimbledon and World Cup in HD

The BBC is launching an HD trial which will include 2006 World Cup coverage and major Wimbledon matches.

The trial will start with World Cup 2006, including the final on Sunday 9 July. It will be the first major sporting event to be broadcast in HD in the UK.

The first live HD programme will be the opening World Cup match Germany Vs Costa Rica on Friday 9 June.

The World Cup coverage will be followed by HD coverage of Wimbledon matches from Centre Court and Court One.

The BBC has secured the rights to broadcast Wimbledon matches for the next seven years representing a five year extension to its current contract.

The HD trial will run for around a year, and will allow the BBC to test both the technical delivery of HD services and also to assess its value to the audience.

The HD trial stream will be provided on all technically capable platforms, including satellite and cable, once available, from commercial providers.

Continuation of the service after the trial will be subject to approval by the BBC trust.