ON THE BEEB: The BBC HD channel features a full roster of programming in high definition1. Freeview HD is already broadcasting
Freeview HD transmissions were switched on in December 2009. But the availability of the service was limited to the Winter Hill TV transmitters in the North West (covering Preston, Blackburn, Bolton, Manchester and Liverpool) and the Crystal Palace group in London.
2. Up to four HD channels will be available
The initial Freeview HD service carries two channels – BBC HD and ITV1 HD. These will be quickly followed by Channel 4 HD and S4C HD for viewers in Wales. There are also plans to add an HD channel from Five later this year.
The BBC HD and ITV1 HD channels are already available on rival service Freesat, although the ITV content is currently limited to one or two token HD shows per night. When ITV1 HD fully launches on Freeview HD in the Spring, it will take the form of an upscaled simulcast of the standard-def ITV1 channel.
3. Good news! The World Cup will be shown in HD
By the time South Africa kicks off against Mexico on June 11th, almost 50 percent of UK telly-watchers will be able to enjoy the 2010 World Cup in high definition. You'll be able to see the individual ginger hairs in Wayne Rooney's beard. Ugh.
4. Bad news! You might not get Freeview HD until 2012
Beyond the first outposts in the North West and the area surrounding Crystal Palace, Freeview HD will be switched on in the rest of London, Glasgow, Newcastle, Leeds, Bradford and Birmingham by the end of March 2010.
Manchester, Cardiff and Swansea are also expected to receive Freeview HD at this time as the digital switchover process continues. So when will you get it? If you live in Exeter, you'll get switched on in April 2010; but Norwich won't get HD until 2011.
Check the Freeview website and the rollout map to see when your area will be HD-capable. By the time the digital switchover is completed in 2012, 98.5% of the UK should be able to receive Freeview HD.
5. Freeview HD uses the new DVB-T2 standard
DVB-T2 is the second generation of digital terrestrial TV and uses the H.264/MPEG-4 format. The UK is the first country in the world to adopt DVB-T2 for an over-the-air HD service.
6. So your existing Freeview box can't receive HD
The existing Freeview (DVB-T) platform is based around compressed MPEG-2. The change of video format means that existing Freeview boxes and HD TVs with integrated digital tuners won't be able to decode Freeview HD broadcasts. You'll need all-new DVB-T2 gear.
7. So Freeview HD isn't entirely free...
Like Freeview, Freeview HD won't require a monthly subscription or a contract. But you will have to stump up for a new Freeview HD-compatible set-top box, which (initially) could cost as much as £180. The steep cost of the new DVB-T2 hardware has led the Daily Mail to moan about what it calls "The Freeview HD con."
8. Freeview HD boxes spotted in the wild
Aren't DVB-T2 boxes already available? According to the Freeview HD website, there are no certified Freeview HD boxes officially on sale. But Humax is close to releasing its Fox-HD T2 box, which features an MPEG-4 decoder, HDMI output, Ethernet jack and a USB port. Price? Argos currently lists it for £180.
9. Freeview HD boxes will support the BBC iPlayer
An Ethernet port is mandatory on Freeview HD boxes, enabling future access to current online catch-up TV services including the BBC iPlayer, ITV Player and 4OD.
10. It's not your only free-to-air HD option
Freesat already carries over 70 hours of HD content from the BBC HD and ITV HD channels in addition to providing over 140 digital TV and radio channels. Set-top boxes and HD TVs are both available with integrated Freesat tuners. Prices start at £100.
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