BBC makes first HD broadcast from new facility

The BBC carried out its first high definition broadcast from the new BBC Broadcast Centre on Friday.

The transmission was made, according to reports on our forums, on E-Bird at 33°E, and was unencrypted. Content transmitted included Blue Peter, Planet Earth, and Every Time You Look at Me. The transmission standard used was 1080i - see the [DS HDTV Guide] for more details.

BBC Broadcast's chief technology officer, Chris Howe, said that although the BBC's HD strategies "are still being formed today, the Broadcast Centre is ready when the consumer demands it tomorrow. Our HD capabilities will enable any broadcaster to transmit from this resilient and state-of-the-art facility on various platforms at a competitive price."

Sky has announced plans to launch a high definition service in 2006.