Channel 4 HD set for December launch

With the public perception and appreciation of high-definition (HD) technology and related products on the increase, UK television broadcaster Channel 4 has this week revealed that it will be launching a representative HD ‘simulcast’ channel of its existing terrestrial analogue service. epa01029832 The UK's Channel 4 network has this week announced that it is to roll out a new

epa01029832 The UK's Channel 4 network has this week announced that it is to roll out a new "Channel 4 HD" simulcast version of its existing terrestrial analogue service. EPA/ANDY RAINThrough the unveiling of Channel 4 HD, the UK-based broadcast network will make its mark as the first terrestrial analogue network to offer up a HD channel boasting a complete HD schedule. In terms of Channel 4’s viewer pulling power in the UK, it currently runs hit reality TV show Big Brother show along with the likes of hugely popular US dramas such as Lost and Desperate Housewives."The launch [of] Channel 4 HD represents an early, cost efficient entry into a valuable, emerging market and an important enhancement to the service offered to the rapidly increasing number of HD viewers," commented Rod Henwood, the director of new business at Channel 4, while speaking to the Guardian Unlimited. "We believe that increased investment in HD at this stage could help boost HD production for the benefit of producers of Channel 4 programmes who will find their programmes more saleable in the international market."The high-definition Channel 4 HD simulcast is presently scheduled to launch this coming December and will initially only be available on the Sky digital satellite service to existing Sky HD subscribers. However, Channel 4 has offered that the service is pencilled in to also eventually come to digital cable and Freeview viewers as well.It is worth noting, however, that Channel 4 HD will only offer a reduced amount of Channel 4’s usual programming schedule at the point of launch, though that content allowance should certainly multiply as the broadcaster increases its HD format investment.Channel 4’s move comes as various other broadcast sources are also looking to introduce specific HD programming, with the BBC presently testing its own HD channel ahead of official BBC Trust approval. This week has also seen Viacom-owned MTV Networks announce its intent to launch the company’s virgin foray into a pan-European HD service some time during 2008.