High Definition channels set to be broadcast on Freeview

[HEXUS]

The BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and Five have all signed a non-binding memorandum of understanding that could bring High Definition channels to Freeview as early as 2009.

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[roadie]

Great! Will existing HDTVs with Freeview tuners be able to pick up the HD signal, or will there be further equipment required?

[Lee`]

I think it would be dependent on the freeview box, as if you don't have a box with HDMI or component then you won't be able to physically output the HD signal via scart or composite. You can purchase a HDMI freeview box for as cheap as £19.99 from argos;

Buy Bush DFTA16HD Set Top Box with HDMI. at Argos.co.uk - Your Online Shop for .

[directhex]

Great! Will existing HDTVs with Freeview tuners be able to pick up the HD signal, or will there be further equipment required?

they won't, unfortunately.

whilst no decisions have been made yet on which technology to use on hd freeview, it certainly won't be something which existing hardware could possibly cope with - it'll almost certainly be a newer codec (h264 instead of mpeg2), and possibly a newer transmission standard (bbc mimo or dvb-t2 instead of dvb-t)

so anyone with existing kit will need a new box capable of dealing with h264 and dvb-t2/mimo

[Skinleech]

2009 as a date is a real shame. I'd hoped, judging by the details the BBC Trust released a few months back, that 2008 was the target they'd be aiming for. Oh well.

[Funkstar]

they won't, unfortunately.

whilst no decisions have been made yet on which technology to use on hd freeview, it certainly won't be something which existing hardware could possibly cope with - it'll almost certainly be a newer codec (h264 instead of mpeg2), and possibly a newer transmission standard (bbc mimo or dvb-t2 instead of dvb-t)

so anyone with existing kit will need a new box capable of dealing with h264 and dvb-t2/mimo

According to other sources, Everything on Mux B (listing here: Terrestrial - Digital Spy) will be moved to other multiplexes. Mux B will go through a "mode change" i assume that means changing the QAM value, probably to QAM64, increasing bandwidth by 20%. DVB-T2 will also be used increasing capacity by a further 30%. Finally, MPEG-4 will be used.

Because DVB-T2 will be used, no only will you need new STBs or integrated decoders, DVB-T PCI, USB and PCIe cards will also need to be replaced.