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Channel 4 adds HD simulcast to Sky platform Channel 4 launched its high-definition service today, simulcasting Channel 4 in HD in the UK on the Sky satellite platform. High-def versions of teen soap Holloaks and US import Ugly Betty lead the initiative. Following a deal between C4 and indie Lime Pictures, Hollyoaks will be available in HD from spring 2008, making it the first home-grown UK soap to announce its commitment to HD. As well as the ABC drama Ugly Betty, Channel 4 HD will also air a number of live music specials in the launch slate, such as The Scissor Sisters and Keane. The channel will initially mix HD content with standard-definition programmes, airing around 10 films and series episodes in HD per week, a C4 rep told C21. "This will increase as more deals are done and more programmes are made in HD," she added. Library and contemporary movies, since they were originally shot on 35mm film, are particularly easy to upgrade to HD, she said, and a HD version of classic romcom Breakfast at Tiffanys is also part of the first week's slate. "By launching the UK's first terrestrial simulcast service, we are living up to our reputation as an innovator in television and providing a unique service to our viewers," said Rod Henwood, director of new business at Channel 4, who is to leave the channel next April. With the addition of Channel 4 HD, there are now 14 dedicated HD channels on Sky, including Sky Movies HD1 and HD2, Sky Sports HD1 and HD2, Sky One HD, Sky Arts HD, History Channel HD, Discovery Channel HD, National Geographic HD, Luxe TV HD, two Sky Box Office HD channels and BBC HD. The BBC channel launched earlier this month and is a bespoke service rather than a simulcast of an existing channel. Both the Channel 4 and BBC HD services are available without a subscription to viewers with a Sky HD box and active Sky viewing card. Sky's Stephen Van Rooyen, director of advanced TV products, said the satcaster airs over 5,000 hours of HD programmes a month, and has made a commitment that more than 90% of Sky One and all Sky Arts programming is commissioned in HD moving forward. "With HD channels from both the BBC and Channel 4 now available on Sky’s market-leading HD platform, high-definition is set to become the must-have TV format of the 21st century," he said. Ed Waller 10 Dec 2007 © C21 Media 2007 
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