The UK's major broadcasters are planning to roll out high definition services this summer - Digital Spy looks ahead to see what will be available both in terms of programmes and reception methods.

Programmes
BBC
Confirmed dates:
May 27, 7pm: A 5-episode run of Planet Earth begins
May 28: 8pm: A 16-episode run of Bleak House begins
June 9: High definition coverage of the World Cup begins with the opener between Germany and Costa Rica

Other highlights:
High definition coverage of Wimbledon; Galapagos; Hannibal; The Proms; Hotel Babylon

ITV
Confirmed dates:
June 9: High definition coverage of the World Cup begins

Other highlights:
Documentaries, classic films and drama specials from Granada International's library of HD programming

Channel 4
Channel 4's first foray into HDTV will be in the form of offering two of its US hits - Lost and Desperate Housewives - in high definition format on Telewest's video on demande service.

Sky
Confirmed channels:
Sky One HD (a simulcast of Sky One - HD source material to be used where possible, SD material to be upconverted); Artsworld HD; National Geographic HD; Discovery HD; BBC HD; Sky Sports HD (available to Sky Sports 1, 2 subscribers); Sky Movies 9 HD (available to Sky Movies 1 subscribers); Sky Movies 10 HD (available to Sky Movies 2 subscribers)

Platforms
Terrestrial
The BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and Five have announced plans for a limited trial in the London area. More details

Cable
Telewest's high-definition service, TV Drive, launched on March 10. The first provider in the UK to offer HD services, Telewest's product also includes a PVR-equipped set-top-box. Available to 4.5m homes in Telewest's service area at £10 per month on top of Telewest's top TV package, or £15 per month on top of lower tiers.

The cable operator will carry high definition channels and video on demand content from the BBC and ITV, as well as further VOD content in HD from Channel 4.

Sky
Sky HD went on general sale on April 12, with installations beginning in May. Available to Sky customers, the service costs £299 up front (for the set-top-box) and £10 per month after the initial charge. Free installation during May.

BBC HD will be available on satellite. Sky's HD subscription also includes Sky One HD, Artsworld HD, National Geographic HD and Discovery HD, with Sky Sports HD and Sky Movies 9 HD and 10 HD being available to subscribers who take those premium packages.