Among the United Kingdom’s so-called Big Five channels, Channel 4 will become the first to ramp up an HD simulcast from its main channel, probably starting in December. The channel will come at no extra charge to subscribers of BSkyB’s HD platform on satellite.
In an apparent setback for the much-discussed Freesat project jointly sponsored by the BBC and ITV, Channel 4’s HD throughput will require a BSkyB viewing card issued by the DBS firm. However, Channel 4 said it continues in talks with Freesat and other potential carrier platforms, according to Broadband TV News.
Channel 4 HD will be broadcast in the U.K. on BSkyB Channel 140.
