BBC2 HD in March; 6 more for Freeview
February 19, 2013
The BBC will launch BBC Two HD on March 26th. BBC Two HD will be available on Sky HD (169), Freeview HD/YouView (102), Virgin Media (187), Freesat HD (109) and BT Vision (852).
The announcement follows the successful launch of BBC One HD on November 3rd 2010.
BBC Two HD will replace the existing BBC HD Channel and will be available subscription-free on all digital television platforms offering HD channels.
Janice Hadlow, Controller of BBC Two, says: “BBC One HD has already proved to be highly valued by our audiences and I’m delighted that we’re able to follow this with the launch of BBC Two in HD. The launch of BBC Two HD will allow us to showcase more of our programmes at their very best – helping to highlight our commitment to high quality, engaging and ambitious programmes on BBC Two.”
The BBC Two HD channel will be a simulcast network version of the BBC Two schedule.
Echoing and welcoming the BBC announcement, Freeview’s Managing Director Ilse Howling told advanced-television.com that there was “lots of excitement waiting in the wings,” adding that if broadcaster and Ofcom discussions go well this year, “we could see a further six HD channels potentially launching next year, so that will bring the Freeview line up to ten in total, which is great news for consumers,” she declared.