New ITV1 HD channel available on Freesat, Freeview, Sky and Virgin
ITV launches its new channel, ITV1 HD, on April 2nd 2010, which will broadcast ITV1’s schedule in high definition for the first time.
ITV this week reached commercial agreement with Sky and Virgin Media for carriage of the new channel. ITV1 HD will also launch on Freeview*; and Freesat, where it will move from a red button service to a standalone channel for the first time. The new deals mean that ITV1 HD will be available on all major high definition platforms ahead of this summer’s World Cup.
The ITV1 schedule will be simulcast on the new channel, with the majority of peak time content available in ‘native’ HD, including all live football, and an increasing range of drama, factual and entertainment programming. Other ITV1 content including GMTV and the daytime schedule, will be ‘upscaled’ – giving viewers a better than ever experience of the nation’s most popular commercial channel.
Upcoming highlights on ITV1 HD will include the final stages of the UEFA Champions League and The FA Cup as well as England internationals and the FIFA World Cup 2010. HD dramas include Father & Son, Law and Order: UK, Identity, The Prisoner, Foyles War and Lewis. In factual programming there’s the chance to see Joanna Lumley’s Nile, Greatest Cities of the World with Griff Rhys Jones, and the brand new Survival with Ray Mears all in pure HD. And, for HD entertainment there’s The Whole 19 Yards, 71 Degrees North, Soccer Aid and the UK’s biggest TV show, Britain’s Got Talent. ITV1’s Prime Ministerial debate will also be shown in HD.
Peter Fincham, ITV Director of Television, Channels and Online, said:
“The availability of high definition content is something viewers have come to expect as standard and, as we approach the 2010 World Cup, I’m delighted that we are able to launch our new channel, ITV1 HD, on all major platforms.
“All of our output will benefit from the stunning picture quality that high definition offers, whether it’s ITV’s original drama, landmark factual shows, entertainment events or our live football.”
Notes to Editors:
ITV1 HD will be available on the following EPG numbers:
Freesat 119
Freeview 51
Sky 178
Virgin 113
it is wonderful to have ch 119.however of late i do not think the picture standard is that of hd most of the time.it seems also that the channelid itv 1 hd does not appear at the start of the prog.or as a continuing marker top of screen.this must all mean something and perhaps some kind technical person can explain the situation.as it is i feel a little disappointed. kindest regards. please reply to my e mail address thanks.
Hi
Good to hear about the developments and further HD coverage but what about N Ireland viewers, surely it is known that this area is last for UK freeview launch. Therefore feesat should be on the ball with HD footie – pun intended. So do something about this inequality in broadcast as Freesat could rapidly expand here as an alternative to a long wait for freeview!!
April 2010 ITV1HD ? why is channel not available across uk I live in N Ireland and would welcome HD content given our big wait until 2012 for freeview etc some very poor reception areas here BBC1 and 2 are woeful at times.