"Public value test" begins for BBC HD channel

The BBC Trust has launched a public value test (PVT) into the proposal for a high definition channel.

The test - undertaken to determine the public value of the service and its market impact - includes two periods of public consultation.

The Trust will assess the public value of BBC HD, which has existed as a trial channel on satellite and cable since last May, while Ofcom will investigate its market impact.

The proposal is a for a single, mixed-genre channel, drawing from content across the BBC's channels (50% from BBC One, 30% from BBC Two and the remainder from digital channels) and airing from 3pm to midnight each day. Initially - as in the trial - it would air for three to four hours per day, building to its full schedule by the end of 2008.

BBC HD would be available on digital satellite and cable, with DTT following post-switchover. In the meantime the BBC plans to air BBC HD over DTT between 2am and 6am using capacity from BBC Four, BBC Parliament and three BBCi streams.

The Trust will reach a provisional conclusion in September, with a final decision expected in November. The operation of the trial channel has been extended until the conclusion of the PVT.