BBC HD operates nine hour service

BBC HD is now operating a nine hour schedule, the maximum permitted by the BBC Trust.

Channel head Danielle Nagler said on the BBC Internet Blog that BBC HD began operating a full service on Monday, the first time all nine hours of permitted operation had been used other than during special events.

Nagler said BBC HD will commence regular programming at 4pm "and run through to between 12.30 and 1.30 7 nights a week". Programming hours will continue to be extended for special events falling outside those hours.

"With a new scheduling team on board we will be making some changes over the coming months, which I would hope can plan your time with the channel," revealed Nagler. "It is inevitably tricky given the fact that we are juggling with programmes from across BBC channels, and trying to follow their schedules and broadcast programmes at the same time where it makes most sense to do so."

Nagler added that a different emphasis will be placed on which shows will be given the high definition treatment this year.

"Getting some of the programmes I think need to move into HD may mean though a slight shake up of some of the things that have featured in the past," she said, "hopefully you will agree with the choices, but as one example there will be no Chelsea Flower Show this year in HD."