Channel 4 HD before the end of the year

[Analoguesat]

Launching in December



A high definition simulcast of Channel 4 will launch on Sky in December.

Channel 4 HD, which will be available without additional subscription to viewers with a Sky HD box and a viewing card, will carry high definition versions of the channel's programming where available.

"Channel 4's aim is to offer our viewers maximum flexibility in accessing our high quality programmes and content at a time and in the format of their choosing," said Channel 4 new media director Rod Henwood. "HD is a fast growing consumer technology and we believe our viewers will welcome the opportunity to watch their favourite Channel 4 shows in high definition."

Channel 4 will be the first terrestrial broadcaster to offer a full-time high definition simulcast of its main service on Sky.

"High definition is transforming the TV experience and customers are responding in record numbers to the fundamental improvement in quality and sound quality," said Brian Sullivan, Sky's customer group managing director. "We want our customers to enjoy access to the widest choice of HD programmes so we're extremely excited about the launch of Channel 4 HD. Be it sports, movies, documentaries or entertainment, Sky HD customers can now access the richest selection of content in HD."

Digital Spy

[RocketMBA]

Hooray! Now I can see that beautiful T4 presenter in HD...

[img width=400 height=300]http://www.bbc.co.uk/somerset/content/images/2006/06/19/7_440x330.jpg[/img]

Oh, Miquita!

[BGonaSTICK]

Top news!

[rd100]

So will this be FTA or FTV on need a min sky sub??????????

[BGonaSTICK]

I guess FTV, but it might as well be subscription for most people, as you'll need a (£300?) Sky HD box. That's a lot of money for two channels

[madrat]

Sky HD customers can now access the richest selection of content in HD."

:roflmao: Thats the best joke I've heard in a long time :roflmao: just how many programs are in "real" HD?

[Analoguesat]

As far as I understand from the other forums C4 will be ftv.

[garble]

Confirmed FTV not FTA :-(

Gareth



Dear Gareth,

Thank you for contacting Channel 4 Viewer Enquiries regarding Channel 4 HD.

This channel will be free-to-view via Sky, as are the other Channel 4
channels we transmit.

I hope this information is useful to you.

Kind regards,
Channel 4 Viewer Enquiries

Original Message Follows:
------------------------
Hi Jamie

Thanks for the prompt response.

You haven't quite answered the question. The presence of channel in the Sky
EPG does not indicate whether its is FTA (free to Air) or FTV (free to
view). As an example BBC1 is in Sky EPG but is broadcast FTA (free to Air),
Channel 4 is in the EPG but is currently broadcast FTV (free to view).

Is the new HD Channel 4 service going to be broadcast FTA or FTV?

Regards
Gareth

Dear Gareth,

Thank you for contacting Channel 4 Viewer Enquiries regarding Channel 4 HD.

Channel 4 HD will be broadcast on channel 140 on the Sky EPG, adjacent to
five other Channel 4 digital services ? the recently launched Channel 4+1,
E4, E4+1, More4 and More4 +1 - from December.

There are no plans at present to take Channel 4 HD to other platforms at
present.

Kind regards,

Jamie
Channel 4 Viewer Enquiries

[madrat]

Why is it they can never give a straight answer :?

[BGonaSTICK]

Probably didn't know the difference and had to go and find out, which at least he bothered to do

Thanks for the post Gareth. Always nice to get it from the horse's mouth

It had to be FTV really. FTA would have caused them all sorts of legal issues with re-transmission of stuff originally licensed for C4.