6 April 2006
The BBC has announced that it will be broadcasting its coverage of this summer's football World Cup in high definition (HD).
It also said that important matches at the Wimbledon tennis tournament would also be given an HD broadcast.
HD television gives far greater picture quality than conventional television output.
Only people with a HD-ready TV, a HD set top box and HD services from a satellite or cable provider will be able to receive the broadcast, however.
"High definition works particularly well for sport. It gives fantastic picture quality, from the blades of grass that are being played on right to the back of the stands, and although only limited numbers of people will be able to see this trial we hope it will be a glimpse of the future," said director of sport Roger Mosey.
The high definition broadcasts are part of a 12-month BBC trial of the technology.
Head of BBC HD TV Seetha Kumar added: "We believe that in the long term the BBC can help provide the benefits of HD to everyone, free to air, in the same way that we backed colour, stereo, widescreen and online in the past.
"With this trial, the BBC is taking the first crucial steps to support the development of HD broadcasting in the UK."
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