BBC to trial HD broadcasts in 2006

The BBC is to trial broadcasts of high definition (HD) television in 2006.
In the limited technical trials, it is planned to simulcast highlights of BBC One's peaktime schedule in HD on satellite and cable, as available, from mid-2006.
The BBC is in talks with the relevant operators about these plans.
A technical terrestrial trial in the London area will also run at the same time, though this will not affect reception of existing Freeview channels.
The BBC is considering collaboration with other broadcasters on the terrestrial trial. The purpose of the trials is to test delivery and reception of HD broadcasts on the major television platforms.
Director of Television, Jana Bennett, will set out the BBC's vision for future free-to-air HD television when she takes part in an industry event in London.
She said: "From colour and widescreen to digital radio and television, the BBC has always been at the forefront of innovations in broadcasting. Our promise to our licence payers is to give them the highest quality television, so the time is right for the BBC to get involved in high definition.
"High definition may take time to grow in Britain, but as with the other technologies we helped to build, the BBC wants to prepare now to be able to deliver the benefits of HD to all its licence payers in the long term."
Bennet has appointed Seetha Kumar as Head of HDTV for the BBC, to run and manage the trial.
The BBC trial will start on each platform once they become technically viable, and it is expected that these trials will last for about a year. There will be no impact on any current standard service.
Some BBC programmes, such as 'Rome' and 'Bleak House', are already made in HD and the BBC has a target to move all production to high definition by 2010.
The BBC HD trial will enable the BBC to test the end-to-end HD production and distribution chain, from capture and post, to playout and coding, to transmission, reception and viewer experience.
Sky has announced plans to launch a commercial HD service to subscribers next year and cable companies are also forming plans.
(GB)