BBC to launch free HD broadcasts via Sky

The BBC will give the UK's first high definition viewers a curtain-raising treat of the whole of 'Planet Earth' part one, followed by classic Dickens drama 'Bleak House' over the Whitsun Bank Holiday - 27 to 29 May 2006.
The BBC starts the UK's first free-to-air high definition (HD) consumer broadcasts this week, at the start of a 12-month trial.
Research by the BBC suggests that an overwhelming majority of people who know about HD expect the BBC to broadcast in HD, and to do so free to air, funded by the licence fee.
They also expect high definition broadcasting to be available on all platforms including Freeview.
The BBC's HD stream starts broadcasting on 11 May with a promotional preview. However, the broadcasts will initially be available to viewers on satellite who have the right HD equipment. Sky has announced it will start installing HD set top boxes from 22 May.
The BBC can confirm its HD stream will also be carried in some cable areas in time for the World Cup, following a successful carriage agreement with NTL Telewest. Starting on 9 June, the BBC's World Cup coverage will be simulcast in HD, as will major Wimbledon matches. From July onwards the stream will show BBC highlights in drama, documentaries, events and music for a few hours each day.
BBC Director of Television Jana Bennett said: "These are small but exciting first steps in the BBC's ambition to offer the option of high definition to all in the future.
"It's clear that licence fee payers expect high definition broadcasts from the BBC, the same way they have moved to colour television, widescreen, digital radio and online services with us in the past."
High definition is a new digital format which provides sharper, clearer pictures and the potential for surround sound. It also needs different technology from 'standard definition television' at every link in the chain, from the way programmes are shot and broadcast to the equipment in viewers' homes.
The BBC is conducting an end-to-end trial of HD broadcasting over the next 12 months as a test of the technology and trial of the audience appetite for the format.
The BBC said that the findings of the trial will be used to "inform any ongoing offer".
BBC HD broadcasting will start officially at noon on Thursday 11 May 2006 when the offer appears for the first time to viewers on the Sky electronic programme guide. First broadcasts will be a preview of upcoming programmes in high definition.
The first true high definition programming will start on the Whitsun Bank Holiday weekend. All five opening films of Planet Earth part one will be shown from 7.00pm on Saturday 27 May. The 16 half-hour episodes of Bleak House will screen from 8.00pm to midnight on Sunday 28 May and Monday 29 May.
For information on how to get high definition and the BBC's trial visit www.bbc.co.uk/hd
(SP)