New HD channels - 10 more on Freeview, 5 from the BBC

I asked the question but then again I live in Australia so I wouldn't know much - only that the HD versions of ITV 2, 3 and 4 were only available via subscription. I was wondering if they could move to terrestrial television like the SD versions of ITV 2, 3 and 4.

Sorry for asking questions sir. Won't bother next time.

Huh? Don't throw apologies at me, I didn't even notice your question on the 1st page before reading your response. My question was directly aimed at DTV, whose message made me confused about the ITV channels being premium. I'm not strictly up-to-date on everything that happens in the UK (I now live in Finland), so I added the "this is just a stupid question by an expat" phrase to the end of my message.

I clearly should beware of crucial misunderstandings a lot more from now on

Ah drat. I thought you were taking a swipe at me. Crucial misunderstandings indeed lol.

Yes, although I'd have thought that it won't actually cost that much. They'relaunching what are effectively 5 new services (3 new channels) but they're all simulcasts and HD production is already the norm rather than a luxury so the content is already there.

The only real cost is the playout and distribution which is all done outside the BBC, so it might come under the existing contracts. The actual outlay for the technical infrastructure might not be that much as it's just bolt ons to the existing distribution chain, in the case of Red Bee's playout, they've done it twice now already.

It's just the satellite space/ EPG charges if needed and the a new contract for the DTT network that will cost, but in the big scheme of things they're really getting '5 new channels' on the cheap

And given that they've had so much trouble filling the fifth DTT slot already, one can assume it may not have cost the earth to secure some of the new ones as it doesn't look like there is fierce competition!

No, although I assumed they were being given the MUX space and Arqiva would let out the rest?

I assume that 5th slot is where the HD Red Button is at the moment?

Yes - I think C5 have turned it down twice now and no-one else seemed forthcoming, hence it being used for Olympics and now Red Button content.

Yes that is correct, I think it's also the same slot that was used by the BBC and Channel 4 for the Olympics and Paralympics last year, as said the 5th slot currently available is going to be for CBBC HD and BBC3 HD.

Essential Freeview HD channels need to be Challenge HD, Dave HD, ITV2 & 3 HD's, E4 HD, Five HD, Film 4 HD and Pick TV HD. Challenge HD especially - let's start a campaign!

Challenge HD? So we can watch all those 80's game shows in glorious up-converted 4:3?

A Challenge HD would be pointless quite frankly, there's no chance of Sky putting any of their HD channels on DTT, I wouldn't rule out E4 or Dave in HD. I'd like Film4 HD, as it started on Virgin only for a whole there's a chance putting it on DTT won't annoy Sky that much. At the end of the day we all have our own dream list of channels but in reality it's all down to money and negotiations with Sky.

Although I wont be able to get the channels (unless BT TV decide to multicast them) I think Sky actually would be clever putting PickTV in the mix for HD on Freeview. Their frequent trailing of other services on the channel would be greatly enhanced by being able to showcase the content in HD on DTT.