HD rollout for BBC regions

REGIONAL versions of BBC One in high definition will be rolled out in England next year, the corporation has said.

Viewers with Freesat, Freeview, Sky and YouView devices will be able to watch HD without having to switch over to standard viewing for local shows.

BBC One is already broadcast in HD in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland on digital terrestrial and satellite platforms.

To deliver these improvements on Freesat and Sky devices, the BBC will no longer have local programmes available in standard definition.

Kieran Clifton, BBC director of distribution, said: “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.”