By April 2012, we could be in line for a new HD channel on Freeview, in addition to the existing four Freeview HD channels available at the moment.
Currently, there are four HD channels on Freeview: BBC One HD, BBC HD, ITV1 HD and Channel 4 HD. Bandwidth on the Freeview platform is at a premium, but the UK regulator Ofcom has identified that a fifth channel is possible on the HD multiplex.
Channel 5 had the option to take on the fourth HD channel, but decided to give the licence back, allowing the second BBC HD channel to take to the air. This new licence presents the second opportunity for Channel 5 to get their HD service on Freeview, but other possible takes include the BBC and Channel 4.
Potential TV channels have until the 17th of October to submit proposals for the fifth Freeview HD channel, and once approved, the new channel could be on-air by April 2012.
More on Freeview HD
Freeview HD is currently available around half of homes in the UK, rising to the high ninety percent mark by the end of 2012, when the UK Digital Switchover completes and the old analogue services are finally switched off.
More details: See Freeview HD Information,
Watch this space for news on who could be taking this subscription-free HD channel. Anyone you’d like to see on Freeview HD? Let us know in the comments below.
