Three HD channels on Freeview from 2009

The UK TV regular Ofcom has today confirmed that BBC, ITV and Channel 4 (with Welsh-language broadcaster S4C) will soon be broadcasting in High Definition over Freeview.

Channel 4 plans to simulcast an HD version of their main content as well as show show HD movies during peak hours. ITV will offer their 6 to 11pm content in HD, as well as the FA Cup and the 2010 Football World Cup in HD.

It’s expected that the Freeview HD services will start from late Autumn 2009 in the Granada TV region, with the rest of the UK coming on-stream by 2012 in accordance with the Digital Switchover rollout. To get HD on Freeview via a TV aerial, you’ll need an HD-ready TV set. You’ll also need to buy a Freeview HD set-top box, which are not yet available.

A fourth HD slot will also be available, which could start as early as 2010.

For more, see the Ofcom Announcement