Five has confirmed plans for an HD channel on Sky this summer – just days after ruling out launching one on Freeview on cost grounds.

Five will become the 42nd high definition channel on the platform when the channel launches in July and brings Sky closer to its target of 50 by Christmas.

The channel will simulcast Five’s standard schedule, offering shows such as CSI and FlashForward, plus blockbuster movies, sports and soaps Neighbours and Home & Away.

Five director of strategy Charles Constable said: “Our programme schedule is more suited to HD than that any other major free-to-air commercial broadcaster, given the wide range of high quality series we broadcast, such as our top-rated line-up of US dramas. We’re delighted to begin our HD journey with Sky.”

This week, Five scrapped plans for an HD channel on Freeview on cost grounds, and is now looking at a launch in 2012, when more capacity becomes available.

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