The blue diamond motif symbols are staying on, I take it?
I like the idea, was very refreshing to see something non-live action that has an air of the traditional about it - I should hope it doesn't get replaced just yet.
This is surprising, but good, news. I didn't expect BBC HD to have regular programmes on it until next year at the earliest.
I am confused though. BBC HD currently shows lots of previews of its shows, with occassional full-length programmes in high definition like Match Of The Day Live and The Tudors, but what will happen tomorrow that changes this? Not all of the BBC programmes are filmed in high definition yet so surely there would have to still be previews or lots of repeats?
Well, considering it's been about in some form for over 18 months they can hardly claim it's "launching".
Most new (quality) programming is now filmed in HD - I think Strictly and Robin Hood is, so that's Saturday night sorted.
Listings for tomorrow:
17:45 Strictly Come Dancing (BBC1)
19:15 Robin Hood (BBC1)
20:00 Earth: The Power of the Planet
21:00 Beyonce Live at the BBC
21:30 A Little Later: Razorlight
21:40 The Company (BBC2)
23:15 The Tudors (BBC2)
Incidentally, it now appears that most programmes that were filmed in HD (such as
Planet Earth
et al) are now being offered in SD-DVD, HD-DVD and Blu-Ray format by the BBC.
Well technically the trial has been running as opposed to a full service which is what tomorrow brings - also the BBC can't use the excuse ' well it's only a trial' if you complain about anything!
Incidentally, it now appears that most programmes that were filmed in HD (such as
Planet Earth
et al) are now being offered in SD-DVD, HD-DVD and Blu-Ray format by the BBC.
Indeed right, they're also offering some of the newer Dramas, although it's good that the BBC and 2 Entertain are backing both Blu-Ray and HD-DVD for the time being anyway.
The plan is to make BBC HD into a full time channel and adding more programmes from BBC1-4 and the Childrens channels aswell, not just to show off Planet Earth and the odd Drama. Or at least by the end of next year they're hoping for a regular 3pm-12am service.
It's good it's finally 'launching', I suppose they might up the ante if ITV1 HD and Channel 4 HD make an impact.
I wonder if they'll transmit upscaled SD programmes like Sky One HD do. That might fill the schedule a bit.
Very unlikely - the point of BBC HD is to showcase HD content from other BBC channels. Upconverting SD would defeat the entire point of the channel (though it would be nice to see SD stuff not compressed to death...)
Of course, now Roger Mosey has announced Olympics HD coverage, things are going to be interesting next summer, with Wimbledon and Beijing in HD!
AIUI increasing amounts of factual, drama, sport, comedy, music and entertainment is being commissioned in HD - though channel-specific shows - are likely to move later rather than earlier. (Helping with News and Sport not moving studios until the next decade - though Sport have a solution that allows HD events to be presented from SD studios, as they have already done this in the past)
Well technically the trial has been running as opposed to a full service which is what tomorrow brings - also the BBC can't use the excuse ' well it's only a trial' if you complain about anything!
Listing for tomorrow begin earlier than usual.
4.50pm The Electric Proms - Paul McCartney
Saturday and Sunday have been kicking off earlier than 8pm (the traditional weekday time) for a while now.
Now that the service is no longer a trial (running past its end date between July and November), it means the BBC can again spend some money on it, and extend the hours to 9 a day eventually.
Well, considering it's been about in some form for over 18 months they can hardly claim it's "launching".
Most new (quality) programming is now filmed in HD - I think Strictly and Robin Hood is, so that's Saturday night sorted.
Strictly, when it is in TC1 or TC8, is shot in HD, and when broadcast live airs on BBC HD in HD.
When it was in TC4 for CiN (TC8 had an ITV show in) it was SD. The results show has been SD since it moved to Sunday and became a pre-recorded - and editied - show. Not sure if they will move to HD editing yet...