Welsh broadcaster S4C is to launch a new high definition service.

S4C Clirlun, a name suggested by one of the channel’s Welsh viewers meaning ‘clear’, will broadcast from April 30.

The new service will be shown on Freeview HD in Wales and will run simultaneously with the current standard definition channel.

The aim is to provide viewers with enhanced picture quality.

S4C plans to be producing all of its programme in high definition by the end of 2012. It has been commissioning programmes in HD for some time, including its Welsh landscape series Tir Cymru.

S4C chief executive Iona Jones said: “On 31 March, Wales will become the first nation in the UK to complete digital switchover and Cardiff will become the first national capital city in the UK to switch over.

“HD is our next exciting development representing a significant creative, financial and technological investment. It will be a totally new service offering pictures of the highest possible technical quality available on the Freeview HD platform.”

The roll-out of S4C Clirlun will begin in April with viewers receiving their service on Freeview HD from the Wenvoe, Blaenplwyf and Kilvey Hill transmitters in south and west Wales.

The roll-out programme will enable the remainder of Wales to receive the new service on Freeview HD by July.

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