BBC to start HD simulcasting of main channel in autumn

Starting this fall, the British BBC will begin regular simulcast broadcasting of its main BBC One channel. Although the launch of BBC One's HD simulcast will still broadcast programs scaled from SD to HD, the British broadcaster expects that in 2012, 100% of the content broadcast will be in native HD.

Starting in the fall, the British BBC will begin regular simulcast broadcasting of its main channel BBC One. Although British public radio and television has been broadcasting content in high definition through BBC HD for months, it will not be until September when it will begin regular broadcasting in high definition on its main channel, including the most successful prime-time series such as EastEnders, Holby City or The One Show.

The new HD channel will be available via Freesat, Freeview (via spectrum not used by Five), Sky and Virgin Media. Currently in the United Kingdom they already broadcast all their ITV1 and Channel 4 programming in HD simulcast, while Five hopes to do so at the end of the year through the Sky platform.

Although at the launch of BBC One's HD simulcast programs will still be broadcast upscaled from SD to HD, the British broadcaster expects that in 2012 100% of the content broadcast will be in native HD.