12 June 2006
The UK's terrestrial TV channels have come together to start a consumer trial of high definition television.
Viewers in London have been asked to try out the new HD television output, which is around four times clearer than standard TV output.
Set top boxes are due to be collected by the 450 participants, who will then try out the HD broadcasts for a six-month period.
The BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and Five are all taking part in the trial, with the BBC using the trial to show its World Cup coverage in high definition. It will also show some of its drama and natural history programming in HD. ITV will also be showing its football coverage from Germany via the HD trial broadcasts, as well as some classic dramas and programmes.
As for the other channels, Channel 4 will show its hit US series Desperate Housewives and movies from its film branch FilmFour. Five will include the popular US police drama franchise CSI for the high definition trialists to enjoy.
If the trial proves to be a hit with those taking part, it is hoped that it could pave the way to HD programming appearing on Freeview.
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