NEWS: BBC HD moves closer to a 'real service'
The BBC HD service, currently running as a trial, has taken a step closer to becoming a 'real' TV service. The BBC Trust has announced that its is giving provisional backing to the service, subject to the results of a public consultation.
A final decision will be taken on November 21st, with the BBC saying a four-hour service could launch 'almost immediately' on Freeview. But it's thought the Freeview implementation may be delayed to avoid consumers having to buy several new set-top boxes.
The current trial service should be provided on a continuing basis on satellite and cable when a service licence is granted, said the trust, which also said it is to consult the public on a four-hour service on Freeview.
The problem is that consumers woulod have to buy a new set-top box to receive this service, then later another new box to view the full nine-hour HD service the BBC is proposing, due to differences in the way the two services would be broadcast. Those nine-hour plans will be reviewed early in 2008.
The new HD service would draw on all the BBC's channels, and would not merely replicate BBC One as, for example, Sky One HD duplicates Sky One.
- Andrew Everard's blog
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If you want to support the provision of a HD service, the BBC has a consulation questionaire to fill out here:
www.bbc.co.uk/.../hdtv_consult.html
Thanks for that - would urge readers to take the time to fill out the form in an effort to ensure all this actually happens
I've the Panasonic 32LXD700 on order with an integrated Freeview tuner.
I'm assuming this will pick up the four hour HD service but will I have to have another set top box for the extended HD service ?
Or are new tv's being shipped with the newer style Freeview tuner/ box/ widget ... ?
Any ideas ?
Hi All,
I've been following the recent news that the BBC is likely to release its HD service soon and is looking to provide a number of hours of programming on Freeview. However, the news reports are saying that if they release a reduced service now, and then the full service at a later date, people will need to replace their current set-top box for the reduced service and then when the full service is released they'll need to replace the box again! I have no idea why this is the case and none of the news stories seem inclined to explain.
My concern is that if I buy the PS3's PlayTV receiver early next year (which is supposed to be HD capable) will any of the Freeview HD stations actually work with it? It's all very confusing.
Can anyone help out?
Similar question to above- the new Sony X3500 LCD series has a "high definition .264 tuner", which the guy in the Sony shop claims will be compatible with any HD freeview broadcasts. Is this true (or at least likely)? Do lots of new TV's have this on borad?
Sounds very interesting, and my concern is the same as proux - will the integrated HD tuner in the Sony 40KDLW3000 be worth paying the extra for, rather than just opting for the 40W2000? Will it be the same device as in the PS3? And as there is news that Freesat intends to launch in March 2008, will the integrated tuners receive those Freeserve HD broadcast?
spoke to pioneer at manchester home entertainment show,13 oct, they say "no problems" with thier tunersfor hd via freeview !