BBC HD 'should launch as soon as possible'

The BBC Trust has called for BBC HD to be launched "as soon as possible" following the conclusion of its public value test.

Ofcom's market impact assessment released earlier today effectively cleared the channel for launch, and the Trust's own public value assessment has concluded that the service "would deliver a medium to high level of public value".

Both Ofcom and the Trust said that it would be preferable for BBC HD to broadcast in a full nine hour slot on digital terrestrial TV instead of a four hour overnight period, although the Trust said that "the operation of any DTT service should comply with the BBC Parliament service licence and commitments previously given to Parliament."

The Trust said this afternoon that BBC HD "should launch on Sky and digital cable platforms as soon as possible after any public value test decision and on Freesat from platform launch."

It added that the service should broadcast "the best of HD content from other BBC channels between 19:30 and 22:00 and not just simulcast BBC One."

The BBC Trust expects to publish its final decision on or before Wednesday November 21.