HD Freeview moves a step closer

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BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and Five have signed a preliminary agreement to deliver high definition channels on Freeview by the completion of digital switchover.

The terrestrial channels have signed a non-binding deal which could see them share space on Freeview multiplexes in order to offer HD services to viewers by 2012.

The broadcasters have outlined plans that will see them look to new technologies to increase spectrum capacity, and rearrange some of the channels carried on Freeview for the carriage of all HD services.

While the agreement is still in early stages of negotiation, one proposal is that the BBC would set aside one of its two multiplexes for the HD channels although this would be subject to approval from both Ofcom and the BBC Trust.

These proposals follow discussions with Ofcom and the government about how to meet consumer demand in this area.

Broadcasters have been vocal in their criticism of Ofcom's proposal to auction off part of the existing analogue frequency spectrum, arguing that such a move could price them out of the market and leave viewers with no free access to HD.

ITV executive chairman Michael Grade warned the move to auction would "undermine the principle of equality at the moment we finally achieve digital equality" while the BBC said there was no business model that would enable it to afford likely auction prices.

However, Ofcom chief executive Ed Richards has said that using new compression technologies to allow new channels on the multiplex and shifting around current channels would provide a growth path for the Freeview platform and ensure that it can compete against cable and satellite television in the future.

Speaking at a Broadcasting Press Guild lunch earlier this year he said that he was "not yet persuaded" that gifting "huge chunks of DTT spectrum to broadcasters"  was the right way forward.