Freeview HD will not include Channel Five (aka Five) until at least 2012. Ofcom has announced that the channel will be excluded from Freeview HD after it failed to offer up a launch date or schedule of HD shows.
Five had been sure of a spot on Freeview HD with a place reserved for it by Ofcom. The gap left by Five will be filed by the BBC which already has BBC HD on Freeview HD.
Channel 4 HD is set to launch its HD service in the next few weeks and was also thought to be gunning for the Freeview HD slot previously reserved for Five.
It’s been busy period for news on the future of Freeview HD with its rivals making some big gains: Virgin Media has nabbed the Sci Fi Channel in HD and Sky HD has also secured ITV HD as well as the Hallmark Channel.
Virgin Media has the exclusive on Film 4 HD but it’s likely that Channel 4 HD will pop up on several services like ITV HD. There was also good news for football fans with the Freeview HD boss saying 50% of UK football fans will be able to feast their eyes on the World Cup in HD.
Ofcom will offer up more Freeview HD slots to broadcasters like Five in 2012 so we may yet get the chance to see Neighbours rendered in glorious hi-definition. Just imagine how awe inspiring Ramsay Street could look in HD.
Due TBC | £TBC | Ofcom
