The BBC is to start rolling out regional versions of BBC One HD, which will mean viewers will be able to watch local news, without switching to standard definition channels.
Currently people watching via Freeview, Sky, YouView and Freesat are faced with a graphic saying the content isn’t available on HD.
“By Spring next year, viewers in England will be able to receive BBC One HD for their region and not have to tune away to watch their local news and programming,” said Kieran Clifton, BBC Director of Distribution.
“This, coupled with upgrades to BBC channels that aren’t currently available on some devices in HD, will mean viewers will get a more easily accessible, better quality experience when watching BBC programmes from early next year.”
The change has happened on newer internet-connected platforms, including Sky’s Glass, Virgin Media Cable and Stream platforms and more recently BT’s TV Box Pro and TV Box Mini. However,
“Where possible” the regional version of BBC One HD will be in slot one of the electronic programme guide (EPG).
The change will mean that local programmes will no longer be available in standard definition.
