Five HD to launch on Sky

by Parm Mann on 17 March 2010, 11:02

Tags: Sky+HD, Five

Quick Link: HEXUS.net/qawnl

Add to My Vault: x

Five has announced that it will launch its first high-definition channel later this summer following an agreement with BSkyB.

The surprise announcement comes just days after Five revealed that it wouldn't launch a HD channel on Freeview before 2012, claiming that it "was always going to be financially challenging to provide the fourth HD service on DTT at a time when all advertising-funded businesses are under considerable pressure."

Having opted not to commit to Freeview HD, the broadcaster has now confirmed that Five HD will be made available to over two million Sky+HD customers this July. Five's high-definition service will become the satellite broadcaster's 42nd HD channel, with Sky revealing that it aims to offer 50 HD channels by Christmas 2010.

The announcement makes Sky the only TV supplier to offer access to HD channels from all four major UK terrestrial broadcasters, with Five HD, BBC HD, Channel 4 HD and the upcoming ITV1 HD to be available for free to any Sky customer with a Sky+HD receiver.

Commenting on the announcement, Five adds that its programming - including the likes of CSI, FlashForward, Neighbours and live Europa League football - is "more suited to HD than that any other major free-to-air commercial broadcaster".

Five's announcement comes shortly after media regulator Ofcom revoked broadcast capacity which had been reserved for Five HD on Freeview. Ofcom had stated that Five failed to provide a launch date or programming schedule for its planned service, and the spare capacity has since been awarded to the BBC, who could now introduce a second HD service via Freeview.


Press release: Five to Make HD Debut on Sky this Summer



HEXUS Forums :: 10 Comments

Login with Forum Account

Don't have an account? Register today!
Considering the explanation of why there won't be a service on Freeview HD ‘till 2012, it seems surprising they’re choosing Sky with it's limited user base.
Sadly for Channel 5, showing a turd with additional detail actually makes it even more revolting.
So wait for freeview or pay £40 a month… I will wait…

I have been watching flashforward in HD anyway using other methods so not much of an issue.
This is a joke. All major terrestrial broadcasters will now have HD channels on Sky but not on Freeview or Freesat. Ofcom what are you playing at? I thought you were supposed to stop things like this happening?
I watch more on 5 than any other channel. It might have turd snootyjim, but the others, especially the BBC, have gotten even more turdier since 5 came about.